Known now as a day of patriotism and enjoying time off from work, the Fourth of July began the journey to becoming a quintessential American holiday in 1776, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

From banks and the stock market to grocery stores and restaurants, the Fourth of July holiday for for US Independence Day means a mix of closures and adjusted hours across the United States.

On a hot, steamy day in Philadelphia, a group of delegates to the Continental Congress gathered to celebrate the final approval of the Declaration of Independence.