The Lee Resolution formally asserted the independence of the Thirteen Colonies on July 2, 1776.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution in the Second Continental Congress after Virginia instructed its delegates to propose independence. Congress approved its independence clause after weeks of debate and negotiations among the colonial delegations.
The vote came two days before Congress adopted the final text of the Declaration of Independence. That distinction causes a common mix-up: July 2 was the date independence was formally resolved, while July 4 became the date Americans celebrated because the Declaration was approved and published as the explanation for the break with Britain.
The resolution passed with twelve affirmative colonial votes and one abstention. New York’s delegates abstained because they had not yet received authorization to vote for independence; New York later joined the other colonies.