Scene: Red, white, and blue on the avenue. Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been celebrated since the 18th century, but it became a federal holiday in 1941. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, approved the Declaration of Independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson. July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence. Happy and safe 4th of July weekend!