George Washington readies army as Congress adopts the 1776 Declaration of Independence

In July 1776 the Continental Congress adopted Richard Henry Lee’s resolution on July 2, formally declaring the colonies free and independent, and approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4. The document, drafted in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, announced a new nation and its founding principles.

At the same time, General George Washington prepared the Continental Army for the looming conflict. British forces landed on Staten Island on July 2 and assembled a large armada to seize New York, prompting Washington to order the Declaration read aloud to his troops on July 9. The events marked the transition from colonial protest to armed struggle for American independence.