The Second Continental Congress passed the independence resolution on July 2, 1776.
Richard Henry Lee introduced the resolution, which declared that the United Colonies were free and independent states. Congress approved it two days before adopting the wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
John Adams believed July 2 would become the celebrated date because it marked the formal independence decision. Instead, July 4 became the national holiday because it is the date displayed on the Declaration and associated with its public proclamation.
The distinction matters when discussing America250. The 2026 observance is conventionally held on July 4, but the underlying political decision to separate from Britain was made on July 2, 1776.