How did it ever happen that the Declaration of Independence was written and approved? Why did it even come up? Originally it was the result of several Virginians.

The Second Continental Congress was called on May 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Patrick Henry was elected by the people of Virginia to represent them at their own State convention. It wasn’t even a State yet! But that’s why Patrick Henry stayed home rather than attend the continuation of the Second Continental Congress like Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin.

Business began at the Virginia State Convention May 6, 1776. Patrick Henry presented a Resolution to his State Convention calling for “an immediate, clear, and full declaration of independence” from Great Britain. It passed. Richard Henry Lee was sent as a delegate from Virginia to present this resolution to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

On June 7, Delegate Lee stood and presented his resolution to the Convention. He made a motion to Congress that “these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.” John Adams seconded the motion. The motion was not voted on as several of the States represented needed more time to consider their position in this matter. Instead a committee was appointed to draft a Declaration of Independence in the event this motion should pass.

That committee appointed Thomas Jefferson to draft such a document should one be needed. That’s a whole story in itself. But the resolution was approved on July 2, 1776. The Declaration of Independence itself was adopted on July 4, 1776. And on July 5, 1776, Patrick Henry was elected to be the first official Governor of the new State of Virginia.

So you see, it sort of all began with Patrick Henry!