Which body adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, beginning the anniversary story behind America250?

The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, beginning the anniversary story behind America250.

The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia during the American Revolutionary War. It served as the de facto national government for the Thirteen Colonies and later the newly declared states, handling diplomacy, military affairs, finance, and legislation.

On July 4, 1776, the Congress approved the final Declaration of Independence after debate and revisions. The document announced that the colonies were politically separate from Great Britain and explained the reasons for that decision.

The First Continental Congress had met in 1774 to coordinate colonial resistance, but it did not declare independence. The Second Continental Congress convened in 1775 and remained central to the revolutionary government until the Articles of Confederation took effect.