Located on the Roanoke River, the town of Halifax developed into a commercial and political center at the time of the American Revolution. North Carolina's Fourth Provincial Congress met in Halifax in the spring of 1776. On April 12 that body unanimously adopted a document later called the "Halifax Resolves," which was the first official action by an entire colony recommending independence from England.

Start your visit to Historic Halifax at the visitor center with our museum.  Until early-October of 2026, see the original Halifax Resolves document, on loan from the National Archives!  During our regular hours of operation, scheduled guided tours include several authentically restored and furnished buildings.  A self-guided walking tour of the site also includes the 1838 Jail, the 1790 Eagle Tavern and the Underground Railroad Trail. Historic Halifax frequently features costumed historical interpreters and craft demonstrations that bring the early history of the Roanoke Valley to life.  Most Saturdays, visitors can enjoy living-history activities in addition to the tour options.  

Hours and Location

Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday, and most major holidays

Our newly-renovated visitor center is now open at 25 Saint David St. in Halifax, at the intersection of Saint David and Dobbs Streets.  

25 Saint David St.
P.O. Box 406
Halifax, N.C. 27839

 

 

Admission

General site admission is free, however there is an activity fee for each guided tour.  

Each Guided Tour: $5.00 Adults, $4.00 Seniors (65+) & Military, $1 Youth (3-17)

All Tours/Activity Fees are plus State and County Sales Tax (Total, 7%).

Children 2 and under are free. 

Schedule of Guided Tours: **

  • 9:30am Tap Room Tavern and Montfort Archaeology Museum
  • 10:45am Burgess Law Office & Sally-Billy House
  • 1:30pm Colonial Courthouse Site & Clerk's Office (with printing press demonstration)

  • 3:00pm William R. Davie House & Owens House                                                                                                                                                                             

    **Tour schedule will vary during events and special programming. Please call ahead to verify. 

 Self-guided Tours: Free

The following buildings and trails are open for self-guided tours on the following schedule. 

  • 10:00am-4:00pm - 1838 Jail
  • 10:00am-4:00pm - Eagle Tavern Exhibits
  • 9:00am-5:00pm - Visitor Center Museum

  • Daylight Hours - Underground Railroad Trail 

     

Programs, Group Activities

Several annual events are held at Historic Halifax including: Halifax Day on April 12th, living-history events throughout the year, and a candlelight tour in early December.   

Group tours are available, including themed field trip options with hands-on activities. For details and to schedule, contact: Kristal M. Chapman, group tour coordinator, at kristal.murphy@ncdcr.gov or call: (252) 583-7191.  Group tour reservations should be scheduled at least three weeks in advance. 

 

Facilities

Historic Structures

Furnished homes are the Owens House (1760), Sally-Billy Plantation House (1808), and the Burgess Law Office (1806). Other buildings include the Eagle Tavern (1790), Tap Room (approx. 1760-1790), Clerk of Court’s Office (1832), Jail (1838), and the Montfort archaeological exhibit.

 

Visitor Center

The newly-renovated visitor center and museum are now open, and the original Halifax Resolves Document is on display (on loan from the National Archives) through early-October!  

 

Trails, Monuments, Outdoor Exhibits

The Roanoke River overlook, a colonial cemetery, and an African American cemetery are all features of the site.

 

Handicapped Accessibility

The visitor center is accessible to all visitors. Historic structures all require the ability to negotiate steps.

 

Picnic Facilities

Fifteen tables are available at the site, adjacent to the visitor center garden.

 

Gift Shop

A sales desk is located in the visitor center featuring souvenirs and books.

 

 

 

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