The Lee Resolution first declared the American colonies independent before the Declaration of Independence was adopted for America250.
Introduced by Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee, the resolution stated that the United Colonies should be free and independent states. The Second Continental Congress approved it on July 2, 1776, two days before adopting the Declaration of Independence.
The resolution and the Declaration served different purposes. The Lee Resolution was the formal congressional decision to pursue independence. The Declaration explained that decision, presented philosophical principles, listed grievances against George III, and announced the colonies’ new political status to a wider audience.
John Adams believed July 2 would become the great national anniversary because it was the date of the independence vote. Instead, July 4 became the celebrated date because it marked adoption of the Declaration’s final text. America250 follows that July 4 milestone, while the Lee Resolution explains the crucial step immediately before it.