On this day 248 years ago: Small NC town becomes central to birth of the United States
Nearly 250 years ago on this day, a little town in North Carolina became central to America's push for freedom from Great Britain.
Everyone's heard of the Declaration of Independence. Adopted on July 4, we celebrate Independence Day every year in its memory -- the final step in the United States becoming an its own nation.
Far less people, however, have heard of the Halifax Resolves.
Each year, the small and historic town of Halifax celebrates the resolves, which happened just a couple of months before the Declaration of Independence – and played a key role in leading up to it. In an act of pure revolution, delegates from North Carolina gathered in town and created the Halifax Resolves – the first official action for independence taken by any colony. An action that inspired the nation.
The patriots also laid out their 'resolves,' or actions they planned to take to ensure independence.
“Resolved, that the delegates for this colony in the Continental Congress be empowered to concur with the delegates of the other Colonies in declaring independency," they wrote. The full text of the revolutionary document was published across the Colonies, helping push America closer to independence.
Less than three months later: Independence Day.
Halifax Resolves Days: History in action this weekend in Historic Halifax
To ensure the memory of the Halifax Resolves is preserved, and that the story of the Revolution is remembered, Historic Halifax hosts a large event each year.
This year is special because the historic site has begun celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves. While the national 250th anniversary will be commemorated in 2026, the historic site is using the next two years to recognize North Carolina's significance in all of the major events of the Revolutionary War leading up to the Halifax Resolves and ultimately the Declaration of Independence.
The historic Town of Halifax will come to life with historic structures from the Revolutionary era, historic interpreters in costume, marching drum corps, historic weapons demonstrations and, of course, a reading of the Halifax Resolves.
A variety of original antique buildings that will be open for touring -- including taverns and tap rooms from the 1700s, an original jail from the early 1800s, the Owens House from 1760 and many more old and historic structures.
There will be live music, fireworks, food and tons of activities.
"Halifax Resolves Days: Prelude to Revolution" will be held April 12-14 at the Halifax State Historic Site. It will be in conjunction with Halifax Resolves Day on April 12 and feature a two-day living history weekend showcasing North Carolina's pivotal role in shaping the future of the country.
