The Lee Resolution formally declared the Thirteen Colonies independent from Britain on July 2, 1776.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution in the Second Continental Congress on June 7, 1776. Its independence clause stated that the colonies were “free and independent States” and no longer owed allegiance to the British Crown.
Congress approved the resolution after delegates worked to secure support from colonies whose representatives lacked authorization to vote for independence. The vote passed with twelve affirmative colonial votes and New York abstaining because its delegates had not yet received instructions.
The Declaration of Independence followed two days later, on July 4. The Declaration explained and justified the break, while the Lee Resolution was the formal political decision. John Adams thought July 2 would become the great annual holiday, but Americans instead came to celebrate July 4, the date Congress approved the Declaration’s wording.