Which body adopted the United States Declaration of Independence, the event honored by America250?

The Second Continental Congress adopted the United States Declaration of Independence, the event honored by America250.

The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia beginning in May 1775, after fighting had broken out between colonial forces and Britain. It acted as the de facto national government for the colonies during the Revolutionary War and directed military, diplomatic, and financial affairs.

On July 2, 1776, Congress passed the resolution declaring the colonies independent. Two days later, on July 4, it adopted the Declaration of Independence, which explained and publicized the decision. That July 4 adoption is the milestone counted by the 2026 semiquincentennial.

The First Continental Congress had met in 1774 to coordinate a response to British policies, but it did not declare independence. The Constitutional Convention was a later gathering, held in 1787 to draft the United States Constitution. These similarly named bodies are common sources of confusion.