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.

The Fourth of July is on Friday, which means many Americans will get a day off work to grill, relax and watch fireworks. But will the stock market be open? Here's what we know. Is the stock market open on the Fourth of July?