The United States celebrates its Independence Day on July 4 .
But the day he was talking about was July 2 , 1776 , not July 4 .
July 2 is the day the Continental Congress of the original 13 colonies voted for independence from Britain .
Congress did not officially sign the Declaration of Independence , mainly written by Thomas Jefferson , until two days later .
It was too late to celebrate on July 2 .
So , they decided to mark the country's independence with a celebration the following day : July 4 .
At night , the Post said , “There was a grand exhibition of fireworks…and the city was beautifully illuminated .”
The tradition of celebrating Independence Day started to expand after the War of 1812 against Britain .
Such celebrations were mostly held on July 4 .
John Adams , however , still believed that Americans should celebrate their independence on July 2 .
Historians say Adams reportedly turned down invitations to take part in July 4 events until the day he died .
That same day , Thomas Jefferson also died .
The two men and former presidents were friends as well as rivals .
They both died on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence .
In 1870 , the U.S . Congress made July 4th an official holiday .
In July 1776 , the U.S . was a country of 2.5 million people .
It is now a country of 332 million , the U.S . Census reports .
These days , Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and other festivities .
The yearly Fourth of July fireworks show in New York City is the biggest in the nation .
It can be seen in the neighboring states of New Jersey and Connecticut .
It is also broadcast nationwide on television .
In Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , organizers are holding a 16-day festival of fireworks , music , and food to celebrate the holiday .
The small village of Lewes , Delaware , celebrates its coastal history with the Independence Day Boat Parade .
This year , officials in Atlanta , Georgia , are closing roads in the southern city for the traditional AJC Peachtree Road Race .
A total of 60,000 runners are permitted to take part in the popular Independence Day event .
And far north in Anchorage , Alaska , Independence Day traditions include a pancake breakfast , baseball games and late-night fireworks .
With 19 hours of daylight this time of year , Anchorage's fireworks show does not start until 11 at night .