The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced on Mar. 27 that the state will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves with a three-day event, “Prelude to Revolution: Halifax Resolves Days,” scheduled for April 10-12 in the historic town of Halifax. The event will also celebrate the official opening of Historic Halifax State Historic Site’s newly renovated visitor center.
The commemoration is part of DNCR’s America 250 NC initiative, which aims to recognize North Carolina’s role in American history as the nation approaches the United States’ 250th anniversary. Organizers say this signature event will highlight North Carolina’s contributions during the American Revolution and provide educational opportunities for visitors.
Planned activities include living history vignettes, lectures, live colonial music performances by Tryon Palace Fife and Drum Corps, demonstrations of historic trades and weapons, a military parade, tours, food trucks, vendors, exhibits, themed photo booths, and entertainment on King Street featuring live music and a drone show sponsored by the Town of Halifax. A ceremony at Magazine Spring led by the Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe and an annual Halifax Resolves Day Ceremony at the colonial courthouse site are also scheduled.
Visitors can find more information about street closures, shuttle services, parking details, full schedules and site maps online at https://www.america250.nc.gov/events-experiences/signature-events/halifax-250 or by stopping at the newly renovated visitor center located at 25 St. David St., Halifax.
In spring 1776 during North Carolina’s Fourth Provincial Congress held in Halifax—the precursor to today’s legislature—83 delegates unanimously ratified what became known as the Halifax Resolves on April 12. This was recognized as “the first official act by any of the 13 colonies calling for independence from Great Britain” and is seen as an important step leading up to adoption of America’s Declaration of Independence later that year.
Historic Halifax offers self-guided walking tours including restored buildings such as an 1838 jailhouse and Eagle Tavern from around 1790. The site often features costumed interpreters who demonstrate crafts from early Roanoke Valley life.
