The United States is generally considered to have been founded on July 4, 1776, with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Founding date

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, formally asserting that the thirteen colonies were free and independent states separate from British rule. This date is widely celebrated and taught as the founding of the United States of America.

Other relevant milestones

Some historians also note later dates as important in the creation of the United States as a fully recognized nation-state. Examples include September 3, 1783, when Britain acknowledged American independence in the Treaty of Paris, and 1787–1789, when the U.S. Constitution was written and the first national government under it was established.