FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., Oct. 20, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In 1788 at a convention in Hillsborough, North Carolina delegates declined to ratify the United States Constitution, suggesting amendments and calling for a Bill of Rights. In 1789, the North Carolina General Assembly convened a second time. This time, they met in Fayetteville at the North Carolina State House, which stood on the site of today's Market House. On November 21, 1789, delegates ratified the Constitution in Fayetteville, making North Carolina the 12th state to join the United States.
To commemorate this anniversary, the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex developed "The 1789 North Carolina Ratification Convention in Fayetteville" exhibit which features the original signature page of the ratification document. On loan from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, the document will be on display from November 1 to December 14, 2014. Accompanying the document are biographical sketches of delegates who were part of the Fayetteville convention, including Governor Samuel Johnston, Dr. Hugh Williamson, William R. Davie, Charles Johnson and others. This is the first time this document has ever been placed on public display.
On November 22nd, the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical will host a mini-symposium to further illuminate the ratification history. Titled The Twelfth State: North Carolina Ratifies the Constitution, the symposium features noted scholars presenting on three topics: Life for the average North Carolinian; the 1788 Hillsborough Convention where delegates declined to ratify the Constitution; and the 1789 convention in which delegates did sign off on behalf of all North Carolinians. The free event will be held at the headquarters branch of the Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Nearby, the Fayetteville Area Transportation & Local History Museum offers the exhibit "From State House to Statehood," which explores the people and places that surround this pivotal event in history. During the convention, hundreds of people arrived in Fayetteville, including many key figures in North Carolina. Several locations in this town played a role in the convention, most notably the State House (which stood on the site of today's Market House) and Cool Spring Tavern. The exhibit is open through the end of 2014.
Many sites relevant to the Revolutionary War period in Fayetteville can be explored by following the American Independence Cultural Heritage Trail. Don't have time to visit the sites yourself? Visit virtually with the American Independence Trail Video.
"Fayetteville hosted one of the most important conventions in North Carolina history," says John Meroski, President and CEO of Fort Bragg Communities Visitors Bureau. "We're proud that the community where the Constitution was ratified is the community that supports those that defend the Constitution each day."
Tweet this: NC Ratified the US Constitution 225 years ago in #Fayetteville. See the signature page at Museum of CF Historical Complex 11/1-12/14 @facvb
About the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex:
The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, located on the corner of Bradford and Arsenal Avenues in Fayetteville, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is part of the Division of State History Museums, Office of Archives and History, within the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. More: http://www.ncdcr.gov/ncmcf/Home.aspx or call (910) 486-1330.
About the Fayetteville Area Transportation & Local History Museum:
The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum is located at 325 Franklin St. in historic downtown Fayetteville. The museum is operated by Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. From more information, visit www.fcpr.us or call (910) 433-1457.
About Fort Bragg Communities Visitors Bureau:
Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau D/B/A Fort Bragg Communities Visitors Bureau is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for positioning Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, sporting events and individual travel. For additional information, visit www.visitfayettevillenc.com or call 1-800-255-8217.