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It was on July 2nd, 1776, that the Continental Congress convened at the Pennsylvania State House (later called Independence Hall) in Philadelphia. A delegate from Virginia, Richard Lee had made a motion on June 7th calling for America’s independence from Britian. There was a heated debate and a 5 member team was selected to draw up the Colonies grievances with Britian. On July 2nd, in a near unanimous vote (the delegation from New York abstained from voting) the motion passed. On July 4th, the Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence which was largely written by Thomas Jefferson.
Did you know that John Adams believed that July 2nd was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence, and would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events in protest. Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826—the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Did you know that John Adams believed that July 2nd was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence, and would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events in protest. Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826—the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.