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The historic Halifax town is better known as “The Birthplace of Freedom”. The first official colonial action to call for independence happened in the town. It is known as the adoption of the Halifax Resolves. The town is located in Halifax County in North Carolina. During the 2010 census, the town’s population was 234. The Halifax Historic District is in Halifax. This is a historic site. The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources operates it.
Halifax town provides the perfect getaway from busy city life. It is a quiet little town with a family feel. There are a lot of family-friendly activities. The residents have a strong patriotic instinct. Visitors can take part in both indoor and outdoor activities. Make sure you give Halifax a visit on your next North Carolina visit.
The town of Halifax was established in 1757. It was named for George Montague-Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax. Dun was also President of the Board of Trade from 1748 to 1761.
In January 1759 Halifax became the county seat of the new Halifax County. It developed into a commercial and political center during the American Revolution. North Carolina's Fourth Provincial Congress met in Halifax on April 12, 1776. The Congress then adopted the Halifax Resolves.
Structures that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places include;
1. The Church of the Immaculate Conception
2. The Michael Ferrall Family Cemetery
3. William R. Davie House
4. Eagle Tavern
5. Halifax County Courthouse
6. Halifax County Home and Tubercular Hospital
7. Halifax Historic District
8. Sally-Billy House
9. St. Mark's Episcopal Church
On March 9, 2015, an Amtrak passenger train collided with a tractor-trailer in Halifax. Part of the train derailed. The accident injured 55 passengers.
The United States Census Bureau lists the town’s total area at 0.4 square miles (1.0 km2). This listing is all land. Halifax is located on the Roanoke River. It is near the Fall Line between the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions of North Carolina. This location is near the head of navigation for the Roanoke River. It was important in the town's early development.
Halifax enjoys a four-season climate. It has moderately hot and humid summers, and cool winters. The area averages 6 to 8 inches (150 to 200 mm) of snow annually. It has seen its fair share of ice storms in the past. The area also is occasionally affected by landfalling hurricanes and tropical storms. Overall, however, the area has a temperate climate, usually without major extremes.
The Roanoke River is a huge leisure asset. It offers unique fishing opportunities. The annual Spring Rockfish (striped bass) and shad runs are often found in the water. Annual fishing opportunities are held on the river. Fishermen from all over the country come to Roanoke for these opportunities. The Roanoke River also provides recreational opportunities in the form of three large impoundments. These are in Kerr, Gaston, and Roanoke Rapids Reservoirs. They are located just upstream of Halifax. Other recreational and historical attractions in the area include;
· Halifax State Historic Site
· Medoc Mountain State Park
· Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park
The outdoor drama “First for Freedom” is performed annually in the summer.
Halifax County is governed by a board of commissioners and a county manager.
1. County Manager
The office of the County Manager oversees all county departments. It ensures citizens receive adequate and efficient service. It monitors, evaluates and coordinates all activities by the county government. The County Manager’s office also implements policies by the Board of Commissioners. The current County Manager is Tony Brown. His job involves serving as a middle man between county officials and citizens. He also ensures the public is well informed on county matters.
2. Board of Commissioners
The board comprises a Chairman, Vice Chairman and 4 district representatives. The current board chairman is Vernon J. Bryant.
The board initiates and supports efforts to make the county better. They support environmental and health efforts. They promote citizen awareness and encourage public input. They also initiate effective use of county revenues. This is to provide citizens with necessary services.
There are various departments in Halifax. They are erected to make life easier for citizens. Some of the existing departments include:
· Central Permitting and Inspections
Residents can access information on environmental health. There is information on building inspections, planning and zoning requirements.
· Cooperative Extension
This department is dedicated to enhancing agricultural, forest and food systems. It is focused on building quality communities and sustaining families. It also works by keeping the youth responsible of the county.
· Council on Aging
The council on aging helps meet the needs of the older population. It focuses on nutrition, transportation, daycare and in-home services. Its aim is to help the aging community live comfortably.
· County Manager’s Office
It manages all county departments. Its aim is to ensure adequate levels of service for residents.
Other departments in the town are Emergency Services and Human Resources Management. Also, there are Health, Finance, and Legal Departments, among others.
Being a small town, Halifax gives the experience. You will get to do things that are rarely found in the city, such as;
1. Farmers Market
Get to experience the ideal market day. The Halifax market has vendors who sell a wide variety of goods. Some of the produce found at the market include fruit and vegetables. There are also crafts, baked goods, cut flowers, live plants. Other available items are pasture-raised pork, grass-fed beef, eggs, soap and candles.
2. Halifax Harvest Days and Festival
The Harvest Festival offers knowledge on all things farming. You can look at farm equipment and learn from educational exhibits. There is an Agricultural Museum that offers cotton displays. The museum also has photos of honored military members.
3. Roanoke Island Festival Park
The park serves as a venue for concerts, events and weddings. Roanoke Island Festival Park has an indoor theatre. There is also an outdoor waterfront pavilion.
4. Medic Mountain State Park
The state par has a fishing creek and a scenic meadow. The creek is one of the cleanest in the region. There are hiking trails all across the park, a campground, and bathhouses.
Then you don't want to miss out on our complete list of historic sites and other attractions here: The Historic Albemarle Trail. It's not a bad idea to focus on how far you've come, rather than how far you have left to go...
After getting accepted to ECU, I started looking for things to do in and around Greenville, NC. However, my searches kept taking me to places in South Carolina! There must be things to do around ECU, so I started asking other students. They kept telling me to graduate and move away! This inspired me to begin exploring eastern North Carolina and build this website as a showcase of the places to go, sights to see, and things to do all over eastern NC. I have fallen in love with this region and started taking up roots here. After graduating, I didn't move away - I bought a house here and continue to explore eastern North Carolina.
