Second North Carolina Provincial Congress facts for kids

The Second North Carolina Provincial Congress was an important meeting in North Carolina's history. It was a special group of leaders who met before the American Revolution officially began. They were like a temporary government, not officially recognized by the British King.

This Congress helped North Carolina get ready for independence. They created a government plan and even printed money to support their efforts. They also started organizing an army to protect the state. These meetings helped set the stage for North Carolina's first official government, the North Carolina General Assembly, which met in 1777. The Second Congress met in New Bern, North Carolina from April 3 to April 7, 1775.

What Important Things Did They Do?

The Second North Carolina Provincial Congress met in New Bern. It was held from April 3 to April 7, 1775. John Harvey was the leader of this meeting.

This Congress met at the same time and place as the official British-controlled government, called the Province of North Carolina General Assembly of 1775. Many of the same people were members of both groups. This made the royal governor, Josiah Martin, very angry. He decided to close down the official colonial government on April 8 and never called another meeting.

The Congress agreed to something called the Continental Association. This was a plan for people to stop buying British goods. It was a way to protest British rule without fighting.

Soon after this Congress met, news arrived in North Carolina about the Battle of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. This was the start of the American Revolutionary War. After hearing this news, Governor Josiah Martin left North Carolina. This marked the end of British rule in the area. The first military action in North Carolina happened on July 18. American patriots burned Fort Johnston, where Governor Martin had moved his headquarters.

Who Were the Delegates?

Many important people from North Carolina served as delegates in the Second Provincial Congress. These leaders represented different counties and towns. They made key decisions for the future of North Carolina.

John Baptista Ashe, New Hanover County

Thomas Burke, Orange County

Richard Caswell, Dobbs County

Joseph Hewes, Edenton

William Hooper, New Hanover County

Robert Howe, Brunswick County

Samuel Johnston, Chowan County

Allen Jones, Northampton County

Willie Jones, Halifax County

James Kenan, Duplin County

Alexander Martin, Guilford County

Joseph Montfort, Halifax

Abner Nash, New Bern

Benjamin Williams, Johnston County

The table below lists the delegates who attended the Second North Carolina Provincial Congress. It also shows if they were part of the official British General Assembly at the same time.