The Second Continental Congress passed the Lee Resolution on July 2, 1776.
Introduced by Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee, the resolution declared that the United Colonies should be free and independent states. Congress approved it two days before adopting the Declaration of Independence, making July 2 the formal congressional decision for independence.
The Declaration served as a public explanation of that decision. It listed grievances against King George III and presented philosophical arguments about natural rights and legitimate government. Although July 2 was the decisive independence vote, July 4 became the celebrated national anniversary because that was the date Congress adopted the Declaration.
John Adams famously expected July 2 to be remembered as a major national holiday. Instead, public readings, printed copies, and later traditions focused attention on July 4. America250 centers on July 4, 2026, while the Lee Resolution’s date explains why the independence process began before the famous document was finalized.