On what date did the Second Continental Congress vote for American independence?

The Second Continental Congress voted for American independence on July 2, 1776.

The vote followed Richard Henry Lee’s resolution declaring that the colonies should be free and independent states. Congress approved the resolution unanimously, with the New York delegation abstaining because it had not yet received authorization from its colony. The vote established the political decision to separate from Great Britain.

Congress then spent two more days refining the declaration that explained and justified the decision. That document was approved on July 4, which is why Independence Day is celebrated on that date rather than July 2. The declaration’s adoption and the earlier independence vote are related but distinct events.

John Adams considered July 2 the date future Americans would celebrate, but July 4 became the enduring national holiday because it was printed on the declaration and associated with the document’s public publication.