You’ll Never Forget A Trip To This Underrated North Carolina Town That’s Chock Full Of History
Located in the eastern section of the state, Halifax is a tiny town with a population of just 234 or so residents. What many don’t know about Halifax is the rich history that has shaped the town and today can still be experienced firsthand. While many simply drive through the town, history buffs, travelers and NC scholars will be delighted to discover the rich heritage hiding in this small town.
Halifax is known as "The Birthplace of Freedom," for the Halifax Resolves, the first official action by a colony to declare independence. The town was established in 1757 and named after George Montague-Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax. During the American Revolution, Halifax quickly developed into a prominent commercial and political center. In 1776, North Carolina's Fourth Provincial Congress met and adopted the Halifax Resolves.
Located off Interstate 95 that runs through Roanoke Rapids, the elevation change between the Coastal Plains and Piedmont prompted many settlers to take up shop and build a prosperous community. Today, many can experience that history by spending a day in this charming town.
Several buildings here are on the National Register of Historic Places, like The Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Michael Ferrall Family Cemetery, William R. Davie House, Eagle Tavern (pictured above), Halifax County Courthouse, Halifax County Home and Tubercular Hospital, Halifax Historic District, Sally-Billy House, and St. Mark's Episcopal Church.
While history is interesting and all, you also need to save some time for a delicious meal. In nearby Roanoke Rapids you'll find David's Restaurant, a true shining gem that boasts a AAA Diamond Rating.
Or, not too far away in Weldon you'll find 51 Sycamore Restaurant & Rockfish Bar. The "rockfish nuggets" are made from striped bass that largely travel through Roanoke River in the springtime attracting such a large amount of anglers that Weldon is known as the "Rockfish Capital of the World."
On your way out of town, take a 30 minute drive to Sylvan Heights Bird Park located in Scotland Neck. It features over 2,000 birds, including some of the world's rarest, which makes it America's largest bird park.
The park winds through natural habitats for each bird species. From feeding flamingos to visiting the "Landing Zone" where you hold a feeding stick and small, friendly birds land right on your hand. For bird lovers or photographers, this is the perfect place to spend a day and snap some beautiful pictures as well.
While Halifax is your starting point, this day trip winds you through quite a few hidden, small towns that are home to some amazing gems. Sounds like a very unique way to spend a day or a weekend!
Have you visited any of these places before? Anything you’d add to the list?
There’s no denying we love our small towns in North Carolina, yet these ten are so small that if you blink…you might miss them!
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