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 US celebrates its Independence Day with closures in government services, record-breaking travel forecasts, and festivities nationwide, including fireworks, parades, and barbecues. Retail stores mostly remain open.

Dozens of cities across the U.S. will host drone shows on the Fourth of July this year, seeing them as preferable to fireworks. Here's why.

While some cities will put on a fireworks display for 4th of July celebrations, more and more cities are opting for drone shows. In fact, two cities in the Phoenix area are looking to make a word record this Independence Day.

The biggest celebration in the area was the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show. "All the people and everybody being together, it means so much," Cincinnati resident Craig English said. "You feel the excitement in the air and the beautiful skyline,

Fireworks show airs live Friday on NBC and Peacock featuring live performances from the Jonas Brother and Lenny Kravitz.