Marking 248 years since North Carolina became first colony to call for independence

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Friday marks an important day in North Carolina history.

The now-state become the first of the colonies to officially call for independence from Great Britain 248 years ago on April 12, 1776.

The remainder of the colonies would slowly follow, leading up the Declaration of Independence 83 days later on July 4, 1776.

North Carolina officially became a state on November 21, 1789.