The Lee Resolution declared the colonies independent on July 2, 1776, before the Declaration celebrated by America250 was adopted.
Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced the proposal in Congress after receiving instructions from the Virginia Convention. Its central decision stated that the United Colonies were, and ought to be, free and independent states, ending their political connection with Great Britain.
Congress approved the independence resolution on July 2. It then turned to the longer Declaration of Independence, which explained the reasons for the break and listed grievances against King George III. Congress approved that explanatory document on July 4, creating the distinction between the independence decision and the document announcing it.
John Adams believed July 2 would become the great national anniversary because it marked the actual independence vote. In practice, July 4 became the celebrated date because it was attached to the Declaration’s final approval and later national traditions.