Congress passed the Lee Resolution declaring the colonies independent on July 2, 1776, before America250’s celebrated Declaration.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution after receiving instructions from the Fifth Virginia Convention. It stated that the United Colonies should be free and independent states, separate from the British Empire.
The Second Continental Congress approved the independence portion on July 2. Congress then continued debating the separate declaration that explained the reasons for independence. That explanatory document was approved on July 4, which became the date celebrated as Independence Day.
The distinction explains a famous historical curiosity. John Adams predicted that July 2 would become the memorable anniversary, but July 4 ultimately became the national holiday because it appeared on the approved Declaration. The Lee Resolution was therefore the formal decision for independence, while the Declaration supplied the public justification and statement of principles.