The Continental Congress passed the independence resolution later commemorated by America250 on July 2, 1776.
The measure was known as the Lee Resolution, after Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, who introduced it. It declared that the United Colonies were free and independent states. Congress approved the resolution on July 2, two days before the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed.
John Adams believed July 2 would become the date Americans celebrated as Independence Day. Instead, July 4 became nationally prominent because it was the date printed on and associated with the Declaration. The distinction is historically important: the resolution made the formal political decision, while the Declaration explained and announced that decision.
July 2 is sometimes confused with August 2, 1776, when many delegates signed the engrossed parchment Declaration. It is also frequently replaced in popular memory by July 4, the date used for the anniversary and for America250 celebrations.