Congress adopted the Lee Resolution on July 2, 1776, two days before the date honored by America250.
Introduced by Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee, the resolution declared that the United Colonies should be free and independent states. The Second Continental Congress approved it after extended debate, creating the formal political decision for independence.
The Declaration of Independence followed as an explanation and public statement of that decision. Congress adopted the Declaration’s final text on July 4, which is why Independence Day and the 2026 semiquincentennial are observed on that date.
This distinction explains a frequent historical confusion: July 2 was the independence vote, while July 4 is the date associated with the Declaration. The two events were closely connected but not identical.