In the founding story commemorated by America250, what document did the Second Continental Congress adopt in 1776?

In the founding story commemorated by America250, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

The declaration announced that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as independent states rather than colonies subject to Great Britain. Congress adopted the resolution for independence on July 2, 1776, and adopted the finalized declaration text on July 4.

Thomas Jefferson drafted the document, working with a committee that included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston. Congress revised Jefferson’s draft before approving it. The text explains the colonies’ grievances and presents a philosophical case for government based on rights and popular consent.

A common mix-up is treating July 4 as the moment Congress first voted for independence. July 4 is the date associated with adoption of the declaration’s final text and its later public meaning, while the formal independence resolution passed two days earlier.