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.

Events were held throughout the day on Friday in Marietta to commemorate Independence Day. The annual parade wound through downtown for more than half an hour before wrapping up at Armory Square. Gene Venham,