Tryon Resolves facts for kids

The Tryon Resolves were an important statement made by people in Tryon County, North Carolina during the start of the American Revolution. In this document, the people of Tryon County promised to fight back against unfair actions by the government of Great Britain. These actions were hurting the American colonies. The Tryon Resolves were signed on August 14, 1775.

What Were the Tryon Resolves?

The Tryon Resolves were a special agreement. It was created after the Battle of Lexington. This battle was one of the first fights in the American Revolution. The Resolves were among the first local statements from the colonies. They spoke out against the British government's rules. Many colonists felt these rules were unfair.

Other Similar Statements

Other places also made similar statements around the same time. These included the Mecklenburg Resolves from nearby Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Another was the Suffolk Resolves from Suffolk County, Massachusetts. The Tryon Resolves were written almost a year before the United States Declaration of Independence. However, they did not ask for full independence from Britain. Instead, they supported fighting until a peaceful solution could be found with England.

Preparing for Conflict

As problems grew between the American colonies and Britain, people in the counties started getting ready. They formed groups called Committees of Safety. These groups helped prepare local soldiers, called militia companies, for a possible war. On September 14, 1775, many people who signed the Tryon Resolves formed the Tryon County Militia. This was to prepare for any British response against the American revolutionaries.

What Did the Resolves Say?

In the Tryon Resolves, the people of Tryon County made several clear points:

• They talked about the "painful need" to use weapons. This was to protect their freedom and rights. They wanted to defend against all attacks.
• They promised to fight and risk their lives. They would also risk their money to keep their country free.
• The colonists stated they would keep following the Continental Congress or Provincial Conventions. This was even though Britain said these groups were against the law.
• The signers warned that force would be met with force. This would continue until the colonies and Britain could find a "reconciliation," or a way to make peace.

Who Signed the Resolves?

Many people signed the Tryon Resolves. These brave individuals showed their support for the cause of freedom. Here are their names: