Which body adopted the Declaration of Independence, the document honored by America’s 250th anniversary?

The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, the document honored by America’s 250th anniversary.

The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia beginning in May 1775, after fighting had already begun between colonial forces and Britain. It acted as the governing body for the thirteen colonies during the Revolutionary War and directed the emerging Continental Army.

On July 2, 1776, Congress approved the Lee Resolution declaring independence. Two days later, on July 4, it adopted the wording of the Declaration of Independence, which explained the decision and presented it to the public.

The First Continental Congress had met in 1774 to coordinate colonial resistance but did not declare independence. The Second Congress therefore has the specific connection to the document and the 1776 milestone commemorated by the United States Semiquincentennial.