
3. When was the Declaration of Independence signed?
Correct: August 2nd, 1776
Incorrect: July 4, 1776
Although the Second Continental Congress originally met in Philadelphia to discuss the future of the nation on 1 July 1776 and proclaimed America’s independence from England on 2 July, the final draft of the Declaration of Independence wasn’t completed until 4 July— and was definitely not signed until 2 August of that year.
Today, we celebrate the day the details of the agreement have been finalized. But if you decide to throw a barbecue on August 2, no one would (or could) complain about it.