Congress adopted the Lee Resolution declaring the United Colonies independent states on July 2, 1776.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution after receiving instructions from the Virginia Convention. Its central clause declared that the colonies were “free and independent States” and that their political connection with Great Britain was dissolved. Congress approved that independence resolution on July 2.
The Declaration of Independence followed two days later. Congress approved the Declaration’s explanatory text on July 4, which is why the United States celebrates Independence Day on that date. The Lee Resolution and the Declaration are closely related but are not the same document.
The vote was politically difficult. Twelve colonies supported the resolution, while New York abstained because its delegates had not yet received authorization. Delaware’s Caesar Rodney traveled overnight to help break a tie among that colony’s delegates. New York later endorsed independence.