What 1776 congressional resolution formally declared the American colonies independent?

The Lee Resolution formally declared the American colonies independent in 1776.

Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution in the Second Continental Congress. Congress approved its independence clause on July 2, 1776, declaring that the United Colonies were free and independent states. John Adams later considered July 2 the date that should have been celebrated.

The Declaration of Independence followed the resolution. Congress adopted the Declaration’s text on July 4, 1776, and that date eventually became the national holiday. The Declaration explained the reasons for independence, while the Lee Resolution supplied the formal congressional decision to separate from Great Britain.

This distinction is especially relevant to America250. The 2026 anniversary is observed on July 4 because that is the date associated with adoption of the Declaration, not because the Lee Resolution was approved on that date. The two events are connected but not identical.