In the United States , Independence Day , commonly known as the Fourth of July or the Fourth , is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4 , 1776 , declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain . Independence Day , commonly known as the Fourth of July , is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4 , 1776 , declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain .