Early North Carolina: Colonial Era and Revolutionary War
If you’ve seen a North Carolina license plate recently, you’ve probably noticed the slogan “First in Freedom.” That refers to the Halifax Resolves, the first official cry for independence from a colony. Learn more about the 1776 Halifax Resolves on NCpedia.
North Carolina's early history is filled with fascinating stories, from Royal Governor Josiah Martin, who fled from Tryon Palace to rule offshore, to the heroic actions of a mother to protect her children during a skirmish at House in the Horseshoe. Explore this interesting period of Tar Heel history with some of the resources gathered below.
Colonial and Revolutionary North Carolina By the Numbers
Revolutionary War Battles in N.C.
Estimated N.C. Population in 1770
N.C. Men Who Signed the U.S. Consitution
Revolutionary Places to Visit
Learn about North Carolina's early history at the places where that history happened.
From the site of the first offical cry for independence from a colony at Historic Halifax to North Carolina's first capitol at Tryon Palace in New Bern to Bath, our state's first town, you'll find them all in North Carolina.
A Pre-Revolutionary Revolution
Just years before the Revolutionary War, North Carolina backcountry farmers revolted against the colonial government centered in the east because they were upset with excessive taxation and a lack of representation as part of what's now called the War of Regulation.