America’s first formal call for independence, a document known as the Halifax Resolves, is coming home to North Carolina for a short time as part of the state’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Governor Josh Stein the document will be exhibited in the new visitor center at the Halifax State Historic Site from April 10 through Oct. 6.

“North Carolina played a significant role in winning America’s independence,” said Stein. “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.”

Held in the collection of the National Archives, the Resolves document is believed to be returning to Halifax for the first time since it was sent to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1776. This is the only copy known to exist. 

The State Archives of North Carolina holds the journal copy of the Resolves, which will be displayed in Halifax this fall.

In April 1776, the Fourth Provincial Congress of North Carolina met in the town of Halifax following the patriots’ February victory in the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. 

On April 12, these delegates unanimously adopted the Halifax Resolves, the first official action by any of the 13 colonies calling for independence from Great Britain. 

The Resolves authorized North Carolina’s representatives to the Second Continental Congress — William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and John Penn — to vote for independence. 

This action is acknowledged as an important precursor to the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted on July 4, 1776.

“The opportunity to view this 250-year-old document in the place where it was created is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “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.”

Visitors to Historic Halifax can view this historic document and experience history during Halifax Resolves Days, April 10-12. 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, with activities offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Attendees are encouraged to visit the event website in advance to stay in the loop on street closures, shuttle, and parking information. A full event schedule and site map can also be accessed online at https://www.america250.nc.gov/events-experiences/signature-events/halifax-250

Visitors may stop by the Halifax Visitor Center at 25 St. David St. to pick up a map and information for each day’s programming.