Halifax in Halifax County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Washington’s Southern Tour

Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 14, 2009

1. Washington’s Southern Tour Marker

Inscription. President Washington was a visitor in the town of Halifax, on April 16-17, 1791.

Erected 1939 by State Historical Commission. (Marker Number E-25.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Patriots & Patriotism. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, the George Washington Slept Here, and the North Carolina Division of Archives and History series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 16, 1791.

Location. 36° 19.296′ N, 77° 35.592′ W. Marker is in Halifax, North Carolina, in Halifax County. Marker is on South King Street south of Ferrell Lane, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24 S King St, Halifax NC 27839, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Independence (here, next to this marker); Visit of George Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); The Halifax Resolves (within shouting distance of this marker); Cornwallis (within shouting distance of this marker); Hutchins G. Burton (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Willie Jones (about 500 feet away);

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Ram Albemarle (approx. 0.4 miles away); John H. Eaton (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Halifax.

Regarding Washington’s Southern Tour. George Washington toured the southern states in the second year of his first term as President of the United States.

Also see . . . The Life and Times of George Washington, Volume 2. 1903 book by John Frederick Schroeder and Benson John Lossing. “Leaving Mount Vernon, and passing through Fredericksburg, where he dined with some of his old personal friends, he arrived at Richmond on the 11nth of April (1791). His reception there was enthusiastic. He entered the city amidst the roar of cannon and the acclamations of the crowds of people who lined the streets through which he passed. In the evening there was a grand illumination; and during the two days which he remained there, the city was given up to festivities in honor of the favorite hero of Virginia. Similar tokens of welcome were exhibited at Petersburg, Halifax, Newburn, and Wilmington. On leaving the last-mentioned place he was rowed across Cape Fear river in a splendid barge, by six masters of vessels; and on his arrival at Charleston (May 2d) a similar token of honor was

Two Markers at Southern Entrance to Halifax image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 14, 2009

2. Two Markers at Southern Entrance to Halifax

Third marker, "Cornwallis," can be seen at the far left on the 301 bypass. U.S. 301 Business heads to town on the right.

accorded to him on a larger scale. From Hadrill's Point, attended by a cortege of distinguished Carolinians, he was conveyed to the city in a twelve-oared barge, manned by thirteen captains of American ships, while other barges and floats, with bands of music and decorations, formed an imposing nautical procession. On landing he was received by Governor Pinckney, the civic authorities, the Cincinnati, and a brilliant military escort, who attended him in procession, amidst the ringing of bells, the firing of cannon, and the acclamations of the people, first to the Exchange, where he was welcomed in a formal address, and then to the house prepared for his reception.” (Submitted on February 16, 2009.)

DAR Commemorative Tablet image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 14, 2009

3. DAR Commemorative Tablet

This tablet is nearby, on the other side of the stone with the DAR commemorative tablet for the Halifax Resolves. It reads, "In patriotic commemoration of the visit of George Washington on his Tour of the Southern States, 1791. Marked by the North Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution, 1925."

The Two DAR Tablets image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 14, 2009

4. The Two DAR Tablets

The tablet commemorating Washington's Southern Tour faces right.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,202 times since then and 14 times this year. Last updated on April 29, 2023, by Michael Buckner of Durham, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 16, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.