Historic Halifax Resolves Document Returns to North Carolina for 250th Anniversary

The first official call for independence from Great Britain will be exhibited at the Halifax State Historic Site.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:35pm

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The Halifax Resolves, a historic document that marked the first official call for independence from Great Britain by any of the 13 colonies, is returning to North Carolina for a special 250th-anniversary exhibition at the Halifax State Historic Site. The original document, held in the collection of the National Archives, will be displayed from April 10 to October 6, 2026, alongside a journal copy from the State Archives of North Carolina.

Why it matters

The Halifax Resolves is a pivotal document in American history, as it was the first official action by any colony calling for independence from Great Britain. This action is seen as an important precursor to the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted just a few months later in July 1776. The return of this historic document to its place of origin is a significant event for North Carolina and the nation as a whole.

The details

In April 1776, the Fourth Provincial Congress of North Carolina met in the town of Halifax following the patriots' victory in the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. On April 12, these delegates unanimously adopted the Halifax Resolves, authorizing North Carolina's representatives to the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from Great Britain. This document is believed to be returning to Halifax for the first time since it was sent to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1776.

  • The Halifax Resolves will be exhibited at the Halifax State Historic Site from April 10 to October 6, 2026.
  • The Fourth Provincial Congress of North Carolina adopted the Halifax Resolves on April 12, 1776.

The players

Josh Stein

The Governor of North Carolina.

Pamela B. Cashwell

The Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and John Penn

North Carolina's representatives to the Second Continental Congress who were authorized to vote for independence by the Halifax Resolves.

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What they’re saying

“'North Carolina played a significant role in winning America's independence. The creation and adoption of the Halifax Resolves on April 12, 1776 was the first official action by any colony calling for independence from Great Britain, forever cementing North Carolina's place in history as First in Freedom.'”

— Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina

“'The opportunity to view this 250-year-old document in the place where it was created is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Halifax Resolves is one of the most important pieces of our state's story — its date is emblazoned on our state flag — and we're so excited for North Carolinians to see it in person.'”

— Pamela B. Cashwell, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

What’s next

North Carolina will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves with Prelude to Revolution: Halifax Resolves Days, an immersive three-day event featuring living history vignettes, lectures, live colonial music and Tryon Palace Fife and Drum Corps performances, historic trades and weapons demonstrations, a military parade, tours, and more. The event will take place throughout the historic area of the town of Halifax on the weekend of April 10-12, 2026.

The takeaway

The return of the Halifax Resolves to North Carolina for its 250th anniversary is a significant moment in American history, highlighting the state's pivotal role in the fight for independence. This event provides a unique opportunity for North Carolinians and visitors alike to connect with the state's revolutionary past and appreciate the lasting impact of this historic document.