Flags wave, grills fire up and fireworks light the night sky — the Fourth of July is here, bringing with it all the sights, sounds and flavors of summer’s biggest celebration. From backyard barbecues to community parades,

Fireworks are a cornerstone of America's Fourth of July celebrations, but that can make the spirited holiday dangerous.

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.