About Historic Halifax
Located on the Roanoke River, the town of Halifax developed into a commercial and political center at the time of American Revolution. Scheduled guided tours take you into several authentically restored and furnished buildings. These include the 1760 home of a merchant, the law office of a nineteenth-century attorney, and the 1808 home of a wealthy planter. The 1833 clerk's office, a jail, the Eagle Tavern museum, and the Tap Room tavern, which offers the visitor a hands-on experience, are also available.

After the American Revolution broke out in 1775, North Carolina moved towards supporting independence from Britain. On April 12, 1776, North Carolina authorized her delegates to the Continental Congress to vote for independence. This was the first official action by a colony calling for independence. The 83 delegates present in Halifax at the Fourth Provincial Congress unanimously adopted the document called The Halifax Resolves.

The Halifax Resolves were important not only because they were the first official action calling for independence, but also because they were not unilateral recommendations. They were instead recommendations directed to all the colonies and their delegates assembled at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

Other site features reflect everyday life in Halifax: Magazine Spring, long a source of water for townspeople; the cemetery; Market Square, which served as the town park, pasture, and marketplace; and the river outlook, near the site of an early ferry landing.

The Historic Halifax Visitor Center offers an audiovisual presentation, exhibits, and displays on the history of the town and the Roanoke valley. Guided tours originate here and visitors are urged to make the center their first stop. In addition to the historic structures, the Montfort Archaeology Exhibit is available for tour. Constructed over the excavation of Joseph Montfort's house, the building--through exhibits and walkways over foundations exposed by the scholar's spade and trowel--portrays the life style of this wealthy resident of early Halifax. A spacious picnic area is nearby.

About the Facilities

• Gift shop
• Picnic facilities
• Free parking
• Audio/visual presentation
• Public restrooms
• Motorcoach parking
• Exhibits
• Historic structures

Handicap Accessibility: Visitor center is fully accessible; site is partially accessible.
Nearest Major Town/City: Roanoke Rapids, NC

About the Programs
Major Program Areas: Antebellum, Colonial, Archaeological
Education Resources:

• Guided tours
• On-site interpretive activities
• Living History events
• Costumed/period programs
• Staff interpreters
• Off-site interpreters
• Self-guided exhibits
• Hands-on activities
• Off-site/outreach activities

School Tour Requirements:

• Maximum group size: 25
• Reservations required
• Free admission
• 3-hour walking tour
• Curriculum-based tours if requested, Pre-K - 12
• Education Coordinator: