The Second Continental Congress passed the Lee Resolution on July 2, 1776, an event linked to America250’s 1776 anniversary.
The resolution declared that the United Colonies were free and independent states. It was introduced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia and represented the formal congressional decision to separate from Great Britain.
Two days later, on July 4, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration explained the reasons for independence and presented them publicly, while the Lee Resolution supplied the decisive legal and political motion for independence.
This difference creates a common mix-up: July 2 was the date of the independence resolution, but July 4 became the celebrated national holiday because it is the date associated with adoption of the Declaration. America250’s principal public anniversary is therefore July 4, 2026.