Congress passed the Lee Resolution declaring American independence on July 2, 1776. The resolution stated that the United Colonies were free and independent states and no longer owed allegiance to the British Crown.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the proposal in the Second Continental Congress on June 7, 1776. Congress debated the measure and delayed the final vote while delegates sought instructions from their colonial governments and prepared a written explanation.
The Declaration of Independence followed as the public justification for the decision. Congress approved that document on July 4, which is why Independence Day and the America250 anniversary are observed on July 4 rather than July 2.
John Adams believed July 2 should become the principal celebration date because it marked the legal decision for independence. In practice, the Declaration’s adoption and publication made July 4 the enduring national anniversary.