Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence

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The Declaration of Independence is the formal statement, written by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Second Continental Congress, declaring the thirteen American colonies free and independent of Great Britain. There were fifty-six signers. This led to the Revolutionary War.

You may also be interested in our American Revolution section and its Declaration of Independence pages.

Independence Day

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The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. This is the birthday of the United States of America. It is generally referred to as "Independence Day." It is usually celebrated with fireworks displays. Fireworks that represent a battle during the War of 1812. Francis Scott Keys was observing a battle during the War of 1812 when he wrote the Star-Spangled Banner, the National Anthem.

National Anthem

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Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed by the twilight's last gleaming

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming

And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

Books on the Birth of the United States

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Links to other sites on the Birth of the United States

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