Raleigh Historic Sites
As the Capitol City, Raleigh historic sites are in use throughout the city. Take a peek and plan a visit to some of the most popular sites listed below.
Raleigh Historic Sites – Historic City Market
City market opened in 1914 in downtown Raleigh. It was a thriving marketplace until the supermarket movement of the 1950’s. In 1957 City Market closed, until the 1990’s when a developer purchased and upgraded the collection of shops and buildings. City Market is now a popular downtown attraction for Raleigh citizens.
Raleigh Historic Sites – City of Raleigh Museum
The City of Raleigh museum is located in a historic hardware store. The museum displays exhibits about the people, places and resources that have made Raleigh unique.
Raleigh Historic Sites – Boylan Heights
This historic neighborhood is an example of middle class architecture in downtown Raleigh. The homes were built during the period just after the turn of the century through the 1940’s. It was one of Raleigh’s first planned neighborhoods. This popular neighborhood is home to the annual Boylan Heights Art Walk.
Briggs Hardware Building
Briggs Hardware Building is Raleigh’s first “skyscraper” standing at four stories tall (plus basement). It is the only 19th century building still standing in it’s original splendor. The first floor was used for hardware but the upper floors supported various uses, from a church, community theatre and a YMCA. The main floor is currently part of the Raleigh City Museum.
Capitol Area Historic District
The Capitol Area Historic District encompasses the area surrounding the Capitol Building. Visitor services is located inside the NC Museum of History.
Carolina Power and Light Company Car Barn and Automobile Garage
The CP & L Car Barn is where the former electric company (now Progress Energy) housed their company vehicles and where they serviced their electric street car. The 1920’s era art deco building is now home to Clouds Brewing Company.
Crabtree Creek Recreational Demonstration Area
Crabtree Creek Recreational Demonstration Area is now known as William B Umstead Park. The park was a project of the New Deal, a Depression Era project designed to convert overworked farmland into useful space. The rustic style group camp facilities, bridges, trails and picnic areas built during this area are still popular attractions to locals and visitors alike.
Five Points Neighborhood
Five Points is a historic, planned community northwest of downtown Raleigh. It surrounds the intersection of Glenwood Ave, Whitaker Mill, Fairview, White Oak & Glenn Avenue, and is named for the intersection of these five roads. The neighborhood is made up of primarily bungalows and colonial revival architecture.
J.S. Dorton Arena
JS Dorton Arena is a midcentury modern structure that has won numerous awards for it’s design. “…the American Institute of Architects declared it one of the 10 20th-century buildings most expected to influence the future of American architecture.”
The arena is located at the NC State Fairgrounds. There are regularly scheduled events at the arena. And if you visit on a weekend, you can check out the Raleigh Flea Market while you’re there.
Moore Square Historic District
Moore Square was set aside as a public green space in Raleigh’s original city plan. The area is undergoing an extensive renovation by the city of Raleigh around the portion of that green space that remains. Luxury high rise apartments are under development, taking advantage of the museums, live music venues and restaurants nearby.
Mordecai Historic Park
Mordecai Historic Park is a collection of antique homes beautifully situated in this 3.2 acres landscaped park. Guided tours are available and tickets can be purchased at the Visitors Center.
North Carolina Executive Mansion
The North Carolina Executive Mansion is home to the governor of North Carolina. It was built in 1814 and has been the Governors Residence since 1891. Tours are scheduled regularly throughout the year. You can schedule a tour by contacting the Capital Area Visitors Center.
Oakview
Historic Oakview is a 19th century historic farmstead. The property is owned by Wake County and operated as a county park. The home is available to tour, and includes the main house, outbuildings, barns, garden and orchards. There is also a small museum on site where visitors can learn about the history of tobacco and corn in North Carolina. Check the website for planned events and activities.
Oakwood Historic District
Historic Oakwood is Raleigh’s first historic district. Many of the homes have been painstakingly preserved. The community hosts many regular events, some for the residents, but many of them are for the general public as well.
Pullen Park Carousel
The Pullen Park carousel was purchased in 1915 and installed at the park still located on Ashe Ave. The park was originally situated at the end of Carolina Power and Light’s electric trolley line. Now, Pullen Park is home to numerous activities including paddle boat rentals, a child sized electric train, an aquatic center, arts center, Pullen Place cafe and much more!
Yates Mill
Historic Yates Mill is the center point of Yates Mill County Park. The Mill is the areas only surviving operable grist mill. The county park hosts demonstrations of wheat grinding using the water powered mill. Also take advantage of the on-site natural history and science museum, as well as the 174 acre nature preserve. The preserve is home to beautiful trails surrounding Yates Mill Pond.
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