Washington, DC - The nation's birthday has traditionally been celebrated on the fourth of July, but the Continental Congress actually declared our independence from the British in a vote on the second of July, 1776, notes the Association of Mature American Citizens.

If that's not confusing enough, the National Archives reminds us that the document was not signed until August 2.

But don't let these nuances stop you from attending your community's parade, enjoying the fireworks and scheduling a celebratory barbecue on the fourth.  Congress officially declared that day as the Independence Day Holiday way back in 1870.