The Second Continental Congress adopted the Lee Resolution on July 2, 1776, formally declaring the colonies independent from Great Britain.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution on June 7, 1776. It proposed that the colonies become free and independent states, seek foreign alliances, and create a plan of confederation. Congress delayed the final vote while delegates consulted their colonial governments.
The resolution passed on July 2, after all 13 colonies were represented. Two days later, on July 4, Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, which explained and justified the decision. America250 commemorates both the independence movement and the Declaration’s 250th anniversary.
A common mix-up is treating July 4 as the date independence was first voted for. July 4 is the date associated with approval of the Declaration, while July 2 marks the formal independence resolution. John Adams even predicted that July 2 would become the major annual celebration, though July 4 ultimately became Independence Day.