On what date did the Lee Resolution declare the United Colonies independent?

The Lee Resolution declared the United Colonies independent on July 2, 1776.

Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution in the Second Continental Congress. Congress approved its independence clause on July 2, formally stating that the colonies were free and independent states. John Adams believed July 2 would become the celebrated national anniversary.

The Declaration of Independence followed as the public explanation of that decision. Congress adopted the Declaration’s final wording on July 4, 1776, which is why Independence Day is observed on July 4 rather than July 2.

Another common mix-up concerns the document’s signing. The Declaration was engrossed and signed by many delegates on August 2, 1776, weeks after Congress approved its text and independence resolution.