Reminiscing In Raleigh's Rich And Historical Past (Raleigh)

Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital and political seat is just as modern as any urban city in the United States. It is a city that encourages the emergence of talent in music and arts, as evidenced by various entertainment hotspots and art exhibits all around.

As modern it is now, it is also as old; it has seen the days of the pre-Civil War era in the 1700s and 1800s, and the mounting progress of the times that followed. Raleigh was born in 1792 as a resting area for travelers who would find themselves at this crossroad on their way from the north or from the south. Eventually, plans for a city were mapped out and local landowner Joel Lane sold off some of his plot to make way for the expansion. You’ll find the layout of modern day Raleigh to be well thought out because of ambitious planning; at the time of its city conception, its streets and zoning were patterned after Philadelphia, the country’s capital in those days. Raleigh was named after Sir Walter Raleigh of England, colonizer, traveler and explorer.

With a past that runs so deep, exploring old-world Raleigh in a new-world setting is an exciting adventure. There are many places of interest that have historic value and are worth visiting.

First stop recommended is an official city landmark, the North Carolina Capitol Building, right at the heart of Raleigh. Its construction finished in 1840 and this building stands as one of the most beautifully preserved buildings anywhere in the country today, and only fitting that it was archived a National Historic Landmark! Designed in Greek-Revival style architecture, it is a majestic monument that beckons to the public as if to make them aware that it has stood strong through the many trials time has thrown.

Another point of historic interest is a two hundred year old residence of the Haywood family. Haywood Hall was built in 1799 and although it has been continuously lived in by family until 1997, it stands as strong and beautifully preserved, marking it the oldest standing house in Raleigh, right up to its original address. No longer used for dwelling, its lush sprawling gardens are sought after locations for all sorts of parties and occasions.

The Moore Area is another place of historic interest and one park that is located in the area was included in the original city plan for Raleigh in 1792. It is a place for picnics and fun gatherings. Today, the Moore Square can stir up quite a gathering come Artsplosure Festival time. However, it is best known for its giant copper acorn sculpture designed by artist David Benson. It is an art piece beloved to the residents of Raleigh for what better to represent the City of Oaks than their acorn sculpture? If you find yourself there, rub it for good luck!

As previously pointed out, Raleigh embraces the arts. In the early 1900s, City Market was built as a trading ground amongst farmers for tobacco and cotton, amongst others. Still used for trading now, City Market has transformed into a popular shopping district for shops, dining and entertainment. True to its historic beginnings, a trip into City Market will find you walking along the original cobblestones that were first laid.

And before leaving Raleigh, don’t go without a quick visit to the Oakwood district. Many Victorian-inspired homes still stand with little refurbishments and improvements for modernization. Oakwood is, in fact, the first designated historic area of Raleigh and is listed accordingly in national documents. Aside from the old homes, the nearby cemetery commemorating Confederate heroes is worth the peek for their ornate and old-style headstones that bring you right back to the past.

There are still many more sights of old Raleigh to discover and delight in, but these landmarks are already worth the city tour.


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