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.

Find out if Chase, Wells Fargo, the stock market and other major financial institutions will be open or closed on the federal holiday.

While most banking and mail services will halt for Independence Day, some stores will be open at normal or reduced hours.