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.

Millions of Americans are expected to hit the road, taking advantage of the Fourth of July falling on a Friday this year.

The stock market closes early on Thursday and remains closed on Friday, July 4. While American celebrate the Fourth of July, financial markets are taking a long weekend as well. The New York Stock Exchange closed at 1 p.m. July 3 and will remain closed throughout the weekend, reopening on July 7.