On July 1, 1776, the delegates voted on independence, but the vote was not unanimous. They tried again the next day, July 2. Twelve colonies voted for independence, with New York abstaining.

Though it sounds like Will Smith won't be returning for Independence Day 2, we've already heard that Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman were supposed to come back for the blockbuster sequel, straight ...

John Adams thought July 2 would be marked as a national holiday for generations to come: “ [Independence Day] will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.

Indeed, by the next day, July 2, Pennsylvania had been persuaded to change its vote, Edward Rutledge had convinced South Carolina to vote "yes," as well, and Delaware’s president (i.e., governor ...