[gutzmank]

On May 15, 1776, Virginia’s ruling Convention adopted three resolutions: one saying it needed a declaration of rights, one saying it needed a written republican constitution, and one calling for federal and treaty relationships with whichever colonies and foreign countries wanted them. This date was long celebrated as the date of Virginia’s independence, which it was.

Although May 20 is my birthday, I conclude that North Carolina was second by five days. In fact, its declaration arguably wasn’t authoritative or permanent.

People in Connecticut, by the way, say that a guy from here was first in flight. I’m actually a Texan living in exile, so I don’t have a dog in this fight.