By Sandy Zimmerman
Guest Writer
Semiquincentennial has become a name for the America 250 celebration next year. Below are some historical notes to help all of us get prepared to honor our U.S. history and recognition of our Declaration of Independence.
It took a lot of political maneuvering in 1775 to set the stage for the official Declaration of Independence while a document was being written to explain the decision.
The First Continental Congress appointed a committee of five to draft a decision. The Second Continental Congress succeeded the first with united delegates from 13 colonies in support of the American Revolution.
They first convened on May 10, 1775 after the battles of Lexington and Concord with work beginning later with announcing that the 13 colonies were no longer part of the British Empire.
All 13 were represented by June 1776 and within the time Congress declared independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1776. They unanimously agreed to the Declaration of Independence two days later on July 4, 1776 when the document was ratified.
The Second Continental Congress supported the American Revolution under the name of the United Colonies of North America but renamed them the United States of America in 1776.
Historic Hayesville Inc. hopes to work with local partner organizations to form an official committee to represent Clay County within the year designated by: www.america250.nc.gov and make plans for celebration next year including the annual July 4, 2026 Independence Day parade.
Plans could also include a resolution by our county commissioners with the opportunity to be highlighted on the N.C. state map as an America 250 participant represented by local nonprofits, businesses and civic organizations.
Those interested in being involved with the 250 committee can email: historichayesvilleinc@gmail.com for details.