Congress passed the Lee Resolution on July 2, 1776, declaring the United Colonies independent.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the proposal in the Second Continental Congress after Virginia’s convention instructed its delegates to seek independence. The resolution stated that the colonies were free and independent states and no longer politically connected to Great Britain.
The vote was a decisive step toward the United States whose 250th anniversary is commemorated by America250. Congress approved the independence portion by a vote representing 12 colonies, while New York’s delegates abstained because they lacked authorization at that moment.
The Lee Resolution is often confused with the Declaration of Independence. The resolution made the formal political decision to separate from Britain; the Declaration, approved two days later on July 4, explained the reasons and announced that decision publicly. The two documents are closely linked but are not the same text.