Governor: 'Division' Still True Today, 250 Years After Halifax Resolves

Speaking at a milestone celebration of one of North Carolina’s most defining historical moments, Governor Josh Stein honored the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves while urging modern Americans to embrace unity in an increasingly divided era. 

The event, part of North Carolina’s America 250 commemoration, drew state leaders, performers, and visitors to Halifax — the site where colonial leaders took a bold step toward independence from Great Britain.

“Today is a huge day for North Carolina,” Stein said. “250 years ago, delegates meeting here took the first official action by any colony to call for independence from the British crown.”

The Halifax Resolves, adopted April 12, 1776, authorized North Carolina’s delegates to the Second Continental Congress to vote in favor of independence — months before the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Historians widely recognize the measure as the first formal push for independence by any of the 13 colonies, helping cement North Carolina’s nickname as the “First in Freedom” state.

Stein reflected on the uncertainty facing the 83 delegates who voted unanimously for the Resolves, noting their decision came at great personal risk.

“Failure was likely. And failure could be fatal,” he said. “But they had the audacity to believe that things could be different — and the wisdom to go forward together.”

The governor also highlighted key events leading up to the Resolves, including the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge, where Patriot forces defeated Loyalists, and the influence of Common Sense by Thomas Paine, which helped sway public opinion toward independence.

While honoring the past, Stein used the moment to address present-day challenges, drawing parallels between the divisions of the Revolutionary era and today’s political climate.

“Internal division was one of the greatest threats to our nation’s success — and today, I’d venture that’s still true,” he said.

Stein called for renewed civic unity, emphasizing that differences should not overshadow shared identity.

“We are not red; we are not blue — we are red, white, and blue,” he said. “Out of many, we are one.”

The ceremony featured musical performances and recognition of state cultural leaders, including officials from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which is coordinating America 250 events across the state.

As part of the celebration, attendees also had the opportunity to view the original Halifax Resolves document — a rare display of one of the state’s most treasured historical artifacts.

Stein closed his remarks by tying the legacy of 1776 to the future of the nation.

“It’s time that we remember what those patriots knew,” he said. “That unity is our strength — and that together, we can shape what comes next.”

The Halifax Resolves anniversary is one of several events planned across North Carolina leading up to the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.