Congress passed the Lee Resolution declaring the colonies independent on July 2, 1776.
Proposed by Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee, the resolution stated that the United Colonies should be free and independent states, that their political connection with Great Britain should be dissolved, and that a confederation should be formed.
The resolution established the legal and political decision for independence. Congress then turned to the explanatory document that became the Declaration of Independence, approving its final wording two days later, on July 4.
This distinction explains why John Adams believed July 2 would become the great national anniversary. Instead, July 4 became the celebrated date because it marked the adoption and public issuance of the Declaration’s text. The two dates are connected but commemorate different congressional actions.