This month marks a significant anniversary in American history as Governor Josh Stein commemorates 250 years since the founding of the United States. Various media outlets have been extended the opportunity to present Governor Stein’s reflections on this milestone occasion.
Reflections on the 250th Anniversary of American Independence
The year 2026 will commemorate a quarter of a millennium since the United States declared its independence. This ongoing celebration, known as America 250 or A250, invites communities across North Carolina to honor the principles and people who have fundamentally shaped the American democratic experience. This anniversary serves as an opportunity to revisit the history of the nation and to envision its future trajectory.
Two and a half centuries ago, Americans made the bold decision to break away from monarchical rule and embrace self-governance. The Declaration of Independence articulated the revolutionary idea that all individuals are born with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. Although the nation has not always lived up to these high ideals, they have nonetheless guided the United States on its journey toward greater freedom, equality, and opportunity for all.
North Carolina’s Role in Shaping the Nation
North Carolina has played an integral part in America’s formative years, both in military and political arenas. On February 27, the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge in Pender County saw a decisive victory for patriots under Colonel James Moore and Richard Caswell against loyalist forces. This early victory in the Southern theater of the Revolutionary War galvanized North Carolinians and Americans alike in their quest for independence.
Shortly after this battle, the Fourth Provincial Congress of North Carolina convened in Halifax to deliberate on the question of independence. In April 1776, prior to the formal signing of the Declaration of Independence, North Carolinians drafted the Halifax Resolves, empowering their delegates in Philadelphia to vote for independence from Britain. This action marked North Carolina as the first colony to officially call for separation from Great Britain, with the writers of the Resolves asserting, “The King and Parliament of Great Britain have usurped a power over the persons and properties of the people unlimited and uncontrolled.” As Colonel Robert Howe affirmed to the drafters, “Independence seems to be the word; I know of not one dissenting voice.”
The Legacy of the Bill of Rights
North Carolina’s dedication to individual rights was also evident during the debate over the US Constitution. Concerned by the potential for abuse of power reminiscent of British rule, North Carolina initially withheld its ratification of the Constitution, demanding clearer protections for personal liberties. This led to the Hillsborough Convention of 1788, where figures like Halifax County’s Willie Jones championed the cause of individual freedom. Their resistance, termed The Great Refusal, was instrumental in the creation and adoption of the Bill of Rights.
The Bill of Rights enshrines freedoms that are now seen as fundamental, including the rights to free speech, religious expression, and the ability to assemble and protest. These amendments protect against unreasonable searches and seizures and guarantee due process and the right to a fair trial. Originally groundbreaking, these protections remain crucial to this day.
A Call to Action
As we reflect on the actions of North Carolina’s early leaders, we are reminded that the work of democracy is ongoing. The progress toward a more equitable society is often non-linear, requiring steadfast commitment and courage. From Richard Caswell and Robert Howe’s fight for independence to Willie Jones’s advocacy for individual liberties, meaningful change has consistently demanded conviction and bravery.
The examples set by the founders provide both guidance and a challenge to continuously renew and uphold democratic values. As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, this anniversary serves as a call to action: to remember our origins, protect the inherited rights, and strive toward a more perfect union.
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