The American Declaration of Independence, a rare printed copy of which has been unearthed in the UK’s National Archives, provides a remarkable insight into the early days of the American Revolution just before the document’s 250th anniversary.

Officials at the National Archives say the newly found copy of the historic declaration is one of the rarest remaining copies of the document. The document was one of the rarest versions of the Declaration that we know of said Graham Moore, curator of the Revolution 250 programme.

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was passed, declaring Britain’s Thirteen Colonies independent states. Only a few printed copies were made after the adoption of the original signed copy to disseminate the news throughout the colonies, which is housed at the US National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Those first printed copies were made by Philadelphia printer John Dunlap, who is believed to have printed some 200 copies. Only 26 Dunlap broadsides are believed to have survived to today, and each one discovered is a rare find.

The newly discovered copy was saved in British government records seized at sea during the American Revolutionary War. The document was found on the merchant ship Dalton when it was seized by the Royal Navy ship HMS Raisonable off the coast of Portugal, the UK’s National Archives said. The British warship pursued it for seven hours before capturing it and returning it to Britain where the documents eventually ended up in the state archives.

The discovery sheds light on the international aspects of the American Revolution and offers an example of how wartime events influenced the movement of significant historical records, said officials.

The discovery is “an extraordinary find,” said Saul Nassé, chief executive of the National Archives, and is a reminder that the history of American independence is not uniquely American.

It’s an incredible find. It’s a copy of the Declaration of Independence, one of the few left in the world, not in America, but here in the UK,” Nassé said. The fact that the document is preserved in British state records is also proof of how greatly Britain and the United States were intertwined during the revolutionary period, he added.

The discovery is coinciding with a planned nationwide series of events and exhibitions marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence that will be celebrated in the United States.

The archivists are certain that the document will be of immense interest for historians, scholars and the public, giving them new insights into one of the most influential documents in modern political history.

The United States is celebrating the 250th anniversary of its independence on Saturday as millions of Americans take part in commemorative events overshadowed by political tensions and extreme weather affecting large parts of the country.

President Donald Trump is expected to play a leading role in the national celebrations, with a speech scheduled on the National Mall in Washington before a major fireworks display.

Ahead of the anniversary, Trump visited Mount Rushmore on Friday, where he used his address to warn about what he described as the growing threat of communism in the United States.

“Communism is a mortal threat to American liberty,” Trump said during his speech. “It is the greatest threat to our country.”

His remarks came at a time of heightened political polarization, with debates over the country’s future continuing to dominate the national landscape as Americans mark the historic milestone.

Celebrations in the nation’s capital have also been disrupted by an intense heatwave. Washington officials temporarily closed the Great American State Fair on Friday afternoon as temperatures climbed during the hottest part of the day.

Authorities also cancelled the city’s Independence Day parade scheduled for Saturday after forecasts predicted temperatures could reach as high as 46 degrees Celsius. Officials cited public safety concerns as the primary reason for the cancellation, while advising residents and visitors to limit outdoor activity, remain hydrated and seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.

Despite the cancellation of the parade, the fireworks display over the National Mall is expected to proceed, subject to weather conditions and safety assessments.

Across the country, Independence Day celebrations are continuing in many major cities. Fireworks displays are planned over Navy Pier in Chicago and across New York City, where large crowds are expected to gather for the annual festivities.

The anniversary is also unfolding as several western states battle destructive wildfires fueled by hot, dry conditions. Colorado and Utah have been among the hardest-hit areas, where multiple fires have forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.

Emergency officials said more than 160 structures have been destroyed by the fires, while firefighting efforts continue across affected regions. The National Guard has been deployed to assist local authorities with security operations, evacuation efforts and emergency response.

In contrast, weather conditions have been considerably milder in the Pacific Northwest. Temperatures there remained around 15 degrees Celsius on Friday, accompanied by light showers in some areas, providing a sharp contrast to the record-breaking heat affecting much of the central and eastern United States.

The 250th anniversary, known as the nation’s semiquincentennial, marks two and a half centuries since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. While communities across the country are celebrating the occasion with parades, concerts and fireworks, this year’s commemorations are taking place against the backdrop of political debate, severe weather and ongoing natural disasters that have shaped the holiday weekend.