Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the Lee Resolution that led toward America250’s founding milestone.
Lee proposed the resolution in the Second Continental Congress on June 7, 1776, after receiving instructions from Virginia. It called for the colonies to become free and independent states, pursue foreign alliances, and prepare a plan of confederation.
Congress delayed the independence vote while delegates from several colonies sought authorization to support it. On July 2, Congress approved the resolution’s independence clause, formally separating the colonies from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence, approved two days later, explained and announced that decision.
The two dates are easy to confuse. July 2 was the date of the independence resolution, while July 4 became the anniversary associated with the Declaration. America250 therefore commemorates the July 4 document, while the Lee Resolution describes the legal-political step immediately preceding it.