Congress approved the Lee Resolution declaring American independence on July 2, 1776.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution on June 7, 1776. Its central proposal stated that the colonies should be free and independent states, released from political allegiance to Great Britain. Congress postponed the final vote while delegates considered the wording and sought instructions from their colonies.
The resolution passed on July 2, with twelve colonial delegations voting in favor and New York abstaining. The Declaration of Independence followed two days later, on July 4, explaining the reasons for the decision and announcing it publicly.
John Adams later believed July 2 would become the main national holiday because it marked the legal decision for independence. In practice, July 4 became the celebrated date because it appeared on the Declaration and was widely used in public commemorations.