Halifax Resolves

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Halifax Resolves

The Halifax Resolves were a resolution adopted by the Fourth Provincial Congress of North Carolina on April 12, 1776. This resolution was significant as it was the first official action in the American Colonies calling for independence from Great Britain during the American Revolution.

Background

The Fourth Provincial Congress met in Halifax, North Carolina, a town that had become a center of revolutionary activity. The Congress was composed of delegates from across the colony who were increasingly frustrated with British rule. The Intolerable Acts and other oppressive measures had galvanized the colonists to seek independence.

Adoption of the Resolves

The Halifax Resolves were drafted by a committee led by Cornelius Harnett, a prominent political leader in North Carolina. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the delegates on April 12, 1776. The document instructed North Carolina's delegates to the Second Continental Congress to join with other colonies in seeking independence from Britain.

Significance

The Halifax Resolves were a precursor to the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The adoption of the Halifax Resolves demonstrated North Carolina's leadership in the movement for American independence and set a precedent for other colonies to follow.

Text of the Resolves

The text of the Halifax Resolves explicitly called for independence and the formation of foreign alliances. It stated:

"Resolved, that the delegates for this Colony in the Continental Congress be empowered to concur with the delegates of the other Colonies in declaring Independency, and forming foreign Alliances, reserving to this Colony the sole and exclusive right of forming a Constitution and laws for this Colony, and of appointing delegates from time to time (under the direction of a general representation thereof) to meet the delegates of the other Colonies for such purposes as shall be hereafter pointed out."

Legacy

The Halifax Resolves are commemorated annually in North Carolina on April 12, known as Halifax Day. The town of Halifax has preserved many historical sites related to the Resolves, and the event is celebrated with reenactments and educational programs.

Related Pages

• American Revolution
• Declaration of Independence
• Continental Congress
• Intolerable Acts
• Cornelius Harnett
• Fourth Provincial Congress