This past Sunday, April 12, 2026 was the 250th Anniversary of the adoption of the Halifax Resolves, wherein North Carolina became the first colony to direct its representatives in the Continental Congress to vote for Independency.

Combined with the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence from 11 months before (May 20, 1775), North Carolina was First in Freedom – a tradition the Old North State would maintain even with the federal government proposed by the Constitution in 1787 – insisting upon a Bill of Rights before the State would ratify it.

President General Mike Elston was on hand for the festivities, and inducted North Carolina Governor Josh Stine into the SAR. The Chapter held a reception in his honor on Saturday evening.

Renowned Historical Artist Dan Nance was there to publicly unveil his magnificent painting of the Halifax Resolves, commissioned by the North Carolina Society as part of our Lasting Gift to the State and the Nation for the 2026 Annual Congress we are hosting in Greensboro in July.

A very special thanks goes out to Mark Pace, President of the Halifax Resolves Chapter and Bill Riggan, Immediate Past President of the Halifax Resolves Chapter for an OUTSTANDING 250th event.