July 4, also known as Independence Day, marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the 13 North American colonies officially separated from Great Britain. As the Fourth of July draws nearer, here's a brief rundown of what happened that day in 1776, approximately 249 years ago.

On a hot, steamy day in Philadelphia, a group of delegates to the Continental Congress gathered to celebrate the final approval of the Declaration of Independence.

Test your knowledge of American history and the Fourth of July with CNN’s Independence Day Quiz. And be sure to watch CNN’s “The Fourth in America,” featuring star-studded performances and fireworks shows from across the country to celebrate the 249th anniversary of the United States’ independence.