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.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming U.S. independence from Britain.

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