The Continental Congress first voted for independence on July 2, 1776, when it approved the Lee Resolution.
The resolution was introduced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia and declared that the colonies should be free and independent states. Twelve colonies voted in favor, while New York initially abstained because its delegation lacked updated instructions. New York later joined the decision.
The vote on July 2 was followed by the preparation and revision of the Declaration of Independence. Congress approved the Declaration’s final wording on July 4, which is why Independence Day and America250 use July 4 rather than July 2 as the commemorative date.
John Adams believed July 2 might become the main anniversary because it was the day of the independence vote. History instead gave greater importance to July 4, the date printed on the Declaration and used in its public proclamation.