Congress adopted the Lee Resolution on July 2, 1776, declaring the American colonies independent.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution on June 7, 1776. It stated that the United Colonies should become “free and independent States” and that their political connection with Great Britain should be dissolved. Congress debated the proposal while a committee prepared a fuller explanation.
The Lee Resolution’s adoption on July 2 was the formal vote for independence. Two days later, on July 4, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which explained the decision and listed grievances against King George III. The two events are closely connected but are not the same action.
John Adams considered July 2 the date future generations would commemorate, but July 4 became the celebrated national holiday because it is the date printed on the Declaration. This distinction is a frequent source of confusion in accounts of the 1776 founding.