The Continental Congress passed the resolution declaring the American colonies independent on July 2, 1776, before America’s 250th anniversary.
Known as the Lee Resolution, the measure stated that the colonies were free and independent states and no longer owed allegiance to the British Crown. Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the proposal on June 7, 1776, after Virginia’s convention instructed him to seek independence.
Congress approved the resolution on July 2 after extended debate and after several colonies received permission to support it. Delegates then debated and revised the Declaration of Independence, which supplied the public explanation for the decision.
John Adams believed July 2 would become the great national anniversary. Instead, July 4 became the celebrated date because it was printed on the Declaration adopted two days later. The distinction is one of the best-known date mix-ups connected with the 1776 founding.