The Lee Resolution, passed on July 2, 1776, formally declared the Thirteen Colonies independent.
Introduced by Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee, the resolution stated that the United Colonies should be free and independent states, that their political connection with Great Britain should be dissolved, and that a plan for confederation and foreign alliances should be prepared.
The Second Continental Congress approved the independence portion on July 2, two days before it adopted the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration then explained the reasons for independence and presented the decision in a formal public document.
This distinction is a frequent source of confusion around America250. John Adams believed July 2 would become the great national anniversary because it marked the actual independence vote. Instead, July 4 became the established holiday because it was the date Congress approved the Declaration’s final text.