July 2, 2026

1776 – The Lee Resolution, also known as “The Resolution for Independence” – named for Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, who proposed it to Congress after receiving instructions and wording from the Fifth Virginia Convention – is the formal assertion passed by the Second Continental Congress on this day, resolving that the Thirteen Colonies (then referred to as the United Colonies) were “free and independent States” and separate from the British Empire.
News of the act was published that evening in The Pennsylvania Evening Post and the following day in The Pennsylvania Gazette.
The Declaration of Independence, which officially announced and explained the case for independence, was approved two days later, on July 4th

Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.

That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation