244 years ago today, the Continental Congress passed a resolution declaring independence from (formerly great) Britain. This article appeared later that day (July 2nd) in the Pennsylvania Evening Post:



On July 3rd, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail (from Adams Family Papers: An Electronic Archive. Massachusetts Historical Society. ):



But the Day is past __ The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epoch in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival....
The Declaration of Independence was not voted on and signed until two days later.



Demonstrating once again that American history is much less simplistic than you might have been led to believe.