Tour Historic Halifax - The Birthplace of American Independence

Historic Halifax State Historic Site takes you back in time to April 12, 1776. The Fourth Provincial Congress's adoption of the Halifax Resolves was the first official action for independence by any colony. 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Resolves, not to mention the Declaration of Independence. The state of North Carolina and the Town of Halifax are planning for a revolutionary celebration!
This anniversary offers a unique opportunity to visit the Birthplace of American Independence! North Carolina Cultural Resources will kick off the Celebration in Halifax on April 12, 2024. Special tours, events, and reenactments will be staged throughout the two years leading up to the Grand Celebration of our Nation's Independence in July 2026.

The historic site is open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and offers self-guided tours and guided tours for a small donation. Each guided tour is $2.00/adult, $1.00/Seniors and children 6-12, and children under 5 are free.

Suggested Itineraries:

Morning Option:

Arrive at 9:30 a.m. See the 12-minute introductory film and tour the visitor center museum located at 25 Saint David Street.

• 10:00 a.m. - Take the Montfort Archaeology Museum Guided Tour
• 10:30 a.m. - Take a Self-Guided Tour of the Jail or Eagle Tavern
• 11:00 a.m. - Take the Burgess Law Office Guided Tour
• 11:30 a.m. - Take the Tap Room Guided Tour and enjoy the Colonial Games Activity in an authentic 18th Century Tavern

If time allows, stick around and take a walk or drive along the site's Underground Railroad Trail, a quarter-mile trail featuring five waysides depicting the stories of freedom seekers from the local area.

Afternoon Option:

Arrive by 1:00 p.m. and view the 12-minute introductory film and tour the visitor center museum.

• 1:30 p.m. - Take the Owen House Guided Tour
• 2:15 p.m. - Take the Clerk's Office Guided Tour and enjoy the Printing Press Demonstration
• 2:45 p.m. - Take a Self-Guided Tour of the Jail or Eagle Tavern
• 3:00 p.m. - Take the Sally-Billy House Guided Tour

Click Here to Download a Tour Map

Stroll down King Street to the Town of Halifax. If you enjoy farm-to-table dining, head to The Hen & The Hog. This Halifax eatery supports local farmers, and flavors change with the season. Two Doors Down offers a lighter fare, and The Trophy Room is a local pub with a "wild" atmosphere. To enjoy crafting or shopping in a multi-merchant venue, don't miss Halifax Studios and The Bass House.

Continue your Halifax County, North Carolina adventure by experiencing Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck, where you can see and hear over 2,500 birds from around the world, or head to Weldon to tour Weldon Mills Distillery to go behind the barrel and taste what all the fuss is about.