The Continental Congress approved the Lee Resolution on July 2, 1776, declaring the American colonies independent before adopting the Declaration two days later.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution, which stated that the colonies should be free and independent states and that political ties with Great Britain should be dissolved. Congress debated and delayed the vote while delegates sought instructions from their colonial governments and worked toward broader agreement.
The Declaration of Independence was then adopted on July 4 as a formal explanation of the decision. John Adams later considered July 2 the true independence date, but July 4 became the national holiday because it is the date printed on the celebrated declaration and associated with its adoption.