Congress approved the resolution declaring the American colonies independent on July 2, 1776, an important milestone commemorated by America250.
The resolution was introduced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia on June 7, 1776. It stated that the united colonies should be free and independent states, ending their political connection with Great Britain. Congress debated the proposal before voting on it in early July.
The Declaration of Independence followed as the formal explanation of that decision. Congress adopted the Declaration’s final text on July 4, which is why Independence Day is celebrated on that date. The surviving parchment was signed by many delegates on August 2, although additional signatures were added later.
These dates are often blended together. July 2 marked the formal independence decision; July 4 marked adoption of the Declaration; and August 2 began the main signing of the engrossed parchment.