HALIFAX, N.C. (NCN News) – A key document that set the stage for the American Revolution is being recognized at a new visitors’ center.
Governor Josh Stein joined the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to celebrate the opening of a new visitor center at Halifax Historic Site.
The opening comes as North Carolina marks the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves, widely recognized as America’s first formal call for independence from Great Britain. The new center is near the site of the Colonial Courthouse where the Halifax Resolves were signed.
“With the adoption of the Halifax Resolves, North Carolina became the first colony to take action to declare our independence from the King,” Stein said at the event. “This new visitor center will help people better understand how our state earned its First in Freedom status. As we welcome the Resolves back home for the first time in 250 years, we are proud to share this story with visitors from near and far through 2026.”
“The Halifax Resolves were a pivotal moment in North Carolina history,” said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “We hope that people from across the state will take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the original Resolves document and learn about North Carolina’s important role in our country’s founding.”
For the first time in United States history, the Halifax Resolves will return to North Carolina. From April 10 to October 6 this year, visitors can view the original artifact at the Halifax Visitor Center. On Friday, the Historic Halifax State Historic Site will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves with a three-day event. The event will highlight the pivotal role North Carolina and its people played in shaping the destiny of America, and visitors will get the opportunity to engage with history firsthand.
To commemorate 250 years since America’s founding, counties across North Carolina will be hosting cultural events, exhibits, and celebrations throughout 2026.