[4] It is known as "The Birthplace of Freedom" for being the location for the April 12, 1776, adoption of the Halifax Resolves, which was the first official action by a colony calling for independence.

Halifax is part of the Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina Micropolitan Statistical Area.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.4 square miles (1.0 km2), all land.

Halifax is located on the Roanoke River, near the Fall Line between the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions of North Carolina.

This location near the head of navigation for the Roanoke, was important in the town's early development.

It was named for George Montagu-Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax, President of the Board of Trade from 1748 to 1761.

[8] The Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Michael Ferrall Family Cemetery, William R. Davie House, Eagle Tavern, Halifax County Courthouse, Halifax County Home and Tubercular Hospital, Halifax Historic District, Sally-Billy House, and St. Mark's Episcopal Church are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.