On this day, 250 years ago, the American colonies took a bold step towards independence with the Halifax Resolves, issued by the North Carolina legislature.
Eight days earlier, the North Carolina Provincial Congress met in Halifax. The congress then formed a committee to explore measures to protect the colony.
On April 12th, the committee introduced the Resolves. They instructed colony’s delegates to the Continental Congress to support independence from Britain—and even more importantly, to push the other colonies to do the same. The North Carolina legislature unanimously approved the Resolves.
Three Big Things
Let's look at three big things about the Resolves.
- Path Towards Independence - The Resolves were an important step on the path towards independence. It was the first official action by an American colony to call for complete separation from Britain.
- Stopped Short - However, it stopped a little short. It did not authorize the North Carolina delegation to propose independence in the Continental Congress. It only authorized the delegation to support other independence proposals. A vote on independence would wait until another colony stepped forward.
- State Celebrations - Nevertheless, North Carolina takes great pride in the Halifax Resolves. The state flag includes the date that the legislature approved them. The state’s slogan, “first in freedom,” references their lead in proposing independence. And Halifax holds a festival celebrating the Resolves every April.
