The Second Continental Congress resolution passed on July 2, 1776, declaring independence is called the Lee Resolution.
Introduced by Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee, the resolution stated that the united colonies should be free and independent states, released from allegiance to the British Crown. Congress approved it on July 2, two days before it adopted the Declaration of Independence.
The distinction explains a common historical confusion. July 2 was the date Congress formally resolved to pursue independence, while July 4 was the date Congress approved the explanatory declaration drafted by Thomas Jefferson and revised by Congress.
John Adams believed July 2 would become the memorable anniversary, but July 4 became the celebrated national date because it appeared on the widely circulated declaration. America250 therefore commemorates the 1776 independence process through the July 4 anniversary.