What's behind NC's 'First in Freedom' slogan? A trip back nearly 250 years

If you've ever looked at a North Carolina license plate, chances are you've seen the phrase "First in Freedom."

The slogan has appeared on millions of vehicles across the state for years, but its roots go back nearly 250 years.

To understand why North Carolina claims the title, you have to travel to Halifax, a small town with an outsized place in American history.

The phrase originates from the Halifax Resolves, a document adopted on April 12, 1776, that authorized North Carolina's delegates to the Continental Congress to vote for independence from Great Britain. Historians say it was the first official action by an American colony calling for independence.

Today, visitors can learn more about that history at Historic Halifax, where a copy of the Halifax Resolves is on display.

"For the last 10 years, I've worked here helping visitors understand the town's place in American history," said Frank McMahon of Historic Halifax.

McMahon said the Halifax Resolves helped pave the way for the Declaration of Independence.

"North Carolina is first in freedom because we create our Halifax Resolve, and we give permission to our representatives to vote for independence, and eventually leads to the Declaration of Independence," McMahon said.

The state's history is also reflected in the design of North Carolina's "First in Freedom" license plate.

When North Carolina redesigned the plate, Charles Robinson helped shape the final design.

"So I included the dates of the Halifax Resolves, and the image of the quill pen just further ties it together that there's a document written and a document signed," Robinson said.

Today, the words "First in Freedom" travel highways from the mountains to the coast. For many drivers, it's simply a familiar slogan. In Halifax, however, residents see it as a reminder of the role their community played in the nation's journey to independence.

"That's the slogan on my license plate on my car. I'm proud to have that on my license plate, absolutely," McMahon said.

A copy of the Halifax Resolves, on loan from the National Archives, will remain on display at the Historic Halifax Visitors Center through October.

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