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# Why do we celebrate Independence Day on July 4?
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/independence_day_on_july_4_0630110742/
- Published: 2011-06-30T20:24:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:14:52.000Z
- Description: Thomas Jefferson took 17 days to write the Declaration of Independence. Congress voted to declare independence on July 2, 1776, then adopted the document on July 4 after two days of debate and changes. The original paper copy sits at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Miscellaneous, Health News, #vivvo-import

# Declaration of Independence

The [Declaration of Independence](http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration.html?ref=foodconsumer.org) is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States. It signifies the colonies' break from Great Britain and the rule of King George III. The [Second Continental Congress](http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lwjc.html?ref=foodconsumer.org) formed a committee to write the Declaration, but the Committee thought it would be better for only one person to write the document. It took [Thomas Jefferson](http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/thomasjefferson?ref=foodconsumer.org) 17 days to write the Declaration of Independence, and on July 2, 1776, the Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain. After two days of debate and some changes to the document, on July 4th, the Congress voted to accept the Declaration of Independence. This is why we celebrate July 4th as[Independence Day](http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Independence%5FDay.shtml?ref=foodconsumer.org).

The first part of the document gives notice of the break with Great Britain and the reasons for the break. The last part is a list of grievances or complaints against George III.

You can view the original paper copy of the Declaration of Independence at the [National Archives Building](http://www.archives.gov/nae/visit/?ref=foodconsumer.org) in Washington, D.C. You may also [order a printed copy](http://answers.usa.gov/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1000&PARTITION%5FID=1&CMD=VIEW%5FARTICLE&USERTYPE=1&LANGUAGE=en&COUNTRY=US&ARTICLE%5FID=11409&ref=foodconsumer.org).

You may also wish to view additional information about [American History](http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/History%5FAmerican.shtml?ref=foodconsumer.org).

**Additional Resources:**

- [2011 - Fourth of July](http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts%5Ffor%5Ffeatures%5Fspecial%5Feditions/cb11-ff13.html?ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [Independence Day: Americans Celebrate the Birth of Their Nation](http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/modern/jb%5Fmodern%5Findepend%5F1.html?ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [Today in History: July 4](http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/jul04.html?ref=foodconsumer.org)

by usa.gov team