North Carolina Society, Sons of the American Revolution

The Halifax Resolves

April 12^th– 230 Years Ago

On this Easter Weekend I bring warm greetings from the North Carolina Society, Sons of the American Revolution.

Two hundred thirty years ago the 4^th Provincial Congress adopted the Halifax Resolves, which you just heard recited by the Town Crier. It was the first written document by a colony to proclaim independence, and it encouraged other colonies to follow North Carolina’s lead.

All that is left of the original town of Halifax is what you see, but two hundred thirty years ago this community was a thriving center of trade and politics. When you depart this town today, leave it with one thought in mind. It was here – RIGHT HERE – where a group of citizens stood up and became the very first to declare their complete and unconditional release from Great Britain’s dominance and control. Think how bold this action must have been and how brave they were to affix their names to this document.

The Halifax Resolves set a precedent among the North American Colonies. Officially adopted on April 12, 1776, today the state flag carries this all-important date for all North Carolinians to remember; as it was on this day the freedom movement began.

Thank you for taking time out of your holiday weekend to remember and honor the deeds of our forefathers here in Halifax, North Carolina.

Joe Harris/President/NCSSAR/April 15, 2006