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.

The first-ever Independence Day took place in 1776—yet there are several homes across the U.S. that pre-date that historic time.

No. United States stock markets are closed on Friday, July 4, 2025. According to the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq websites, their markets also close early (at 1 p.m.) on Thursday, July 3. The Federal Reserve considers the Fourth of July a bank holiday, meaning most banks will be closed.