I have called North Carolina home for my entire existence of almost 38 years and I love everything that the state has to offer. From an early age, I was fascinated by local history, in part because I grew up very close to one of the NC Historic Sites. As one of the most beautiful states, it is also rich with culture and history, and is home to almost 3,000 properties that represent the state’s history. Today, I am sharing a round up of 30 must-visit historic sites in NC that you should plan to explore while visiting the great state.
30 Must-Visit Historic Sites in NC
Must-Visit Historic Sites in Eastern NC
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson – Winnabow
Photo via Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc. Realtors
A major pre-Revolutionary port on North Carolina’s Cape Fear River, Brunswick was razed by British troops in 1776 and never rebuilt. During the Civil War, Fort Anderson was constructed atop the old village site, and served as part of the Cape Fear River defenses below Wilmington before the fall of the Confederacy. Colonial foundations dot the present-day tour trail, which crosses the earthworks of the Confederate fort.
Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson are located at 8884 St. Philip’s Rd. SE, Winnabow, NC 28479.
Chowan County Courthouse – Edenton
Edenton was incorporated in 1722 and is the home of North Carolina’s first colonial capital, so it Is full of history. The stunner is the Chowan County Courthouse, built in 1767. This National Historic Landmark is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the South. Joseph Hewes, signer of the Declaration of Independence, was one of the commissioners appointed to raise money for its construction. Prominent revolutionary patriots, Judges James Iredell and Samuel Johnston heard cases here. Every year, the North Carolina State Supreme Court holds sessions here, one of the two sites outside of Raleigh. The other is Morganton, in the western part of the state.
Chowan County Courthouse is located at 117 East King Street, Edenton, NC 27932.
Fort Macon State Park – Atlantic Beach
Photo via NC Parks
Fort Macon State Park is centered on an impeccably restored pre-Civil War fort that offers daily guided tours and frequent cannon and musket demonstrations. Extensive exhibits educate visitors on fort history and the natural surroundings. The beach is perfect for swimming, beachcombing, or even spotting a dolphin or two. Trails traverse the salt marsh and dune fields and provide the opportunity to see one of the 300-plus species of birds found in the park.
Fort Macon State Park is at 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512.
Great Dismal Swamp Canal – South Mills
Photo via Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
Located in Camden County abutting the state’s northeast border with Virginia, Dismal Swamp State Park provides access to the Great Dismal Swamp, the largest remaining swamp in the eastern United States. This area features unique and abundant plant life and wildlife, as well as a rich cultural history that intertwines with George Washington, the Underground Railroad, and Prohibition. The 22-mile Dismal Swamp Canal is a popular paddling destination and hosts the annual Paddle for the Border event.
The Great Dismal Swamp Canal is at 2294 U.S. 17 N., South Mills, NC 27976.
Historic Halifax – Halifax
Photo by GloryRoze Photography
Historic Halifax is a special place to me. I grew up in Halifax County and every summer, my dad would take me to visit the town to explore local history. It was incredibly formative for me and I see the connections to my love of local history, North Carolina, and exploring what is around me to those summer trips.
Located on the Roanoke River, the town of Halifax developed into a commercial and political center at the time of the American Revolution. North Carolina’s Fourth Provincial Congress met in Halifax in the spring of 1776. On April 12 that body unanimously adopted a document later called the “Halifax Resolves,” which was the first official action by an entire colony recommending independence from England.
During our regular hours of operation, a self-guided walking tour of the site includes several authentically restored and furnished buildings including the 1838 Jail, the 1790 Eagle Tavern and the Underground Railroad Trail. Historic Halifax frequently features costumed historical interpreters and craft demonstrations that bring the early history of the Roanoke Valley to life.
Historic Halifax Visitor Center is currently located at 101 N. King Street, Halifax, N.C. 27839.
Newbold-White House – Hertford
Photo via Visit NC
On the Perquimans River, learn the story of Abraham and Judith Sanders, a Colonial Quaker family. Dating to 1730, the house is has been authentically restored and features period furnishings, enormous fireplaces, pine woodwork, and a winding corner stair. It helps recapture the rugged charm of early 18th-century life. A seasonal garden features herbs and flowering plants used by early settlers for dyeing, medicinal purposes, culinary uses and decoration. The Museum Shop features an eclectic array of merchandise including locally handmade pottery, jewelry and books on local history. Make plans to visit this spot on the National Register of Historic Places on your visit to Perquimans County.
Usually onsite is the Periaguer, a double-masted 30-foot boat; while a replica, it is the only known example of the work boats of the Colonial era. It sails from Hertford Bay Marina and other local waterfront festivals.
The Newbold-White House is at 151 Newbold White Road, Hertford, NC 27944.
Portsmouth Village – Portsmouth Island (via Ocracoke)
Photo via Visit Ocracoke, NC
I have spent years visiting the Outer Banks and Ocracoke Island, and want to make it over to Portsmouth on my next visit. What was once a bustling sea village now stands as a testament to times gone by. Exhibits on “lightering”, community life, and survival in this village can be seen in the Theodore and Annie Salter House and Visitor Center, the School, the Post Office and General Store, and the U.S. Life-Saving Station. Volunteers staff these buildings from mid-April to late October. This island is only accessible by boat and a list of the authorized ferry services can be found on the Ferry page. Portsmouth Village is a protected historic and archeological site.
Established in 1753, Portsmouth Island was one of largest settlements along the Outer Banks, but changing shipping routes, Civil War, and a lagging economy caused many people to leave and never return. The last residents remained until the early 1970s, and shortly after, the village fell under the care of the National Park Service and the Friends of Portsmouth Island.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, many of the buildings on Portsmouth Island have been restored. Visitors can explore the church, Coast Guard station, schoolhouse, and post office for a glimpse into old island life. You can peek into the windows of some of the old homes where the interiors look as if villagers went to run errands and never returned.
Visit Portsmouth Island from Ocracoke via Portsmouth Island Adventures at 180 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC 27960 or Portsmouth Island Boat Tours at 138 Loop Road, Ocracoke, NC 27960.
Roanoke Island Festival Park – Manteo
Photo via Island House of Wanchese
Experience a new adventure in an old world at Roanoke Island Festival Park. This 27-acre historic site allows guests of all ages to experience first-hand what life was like for the first English settlers in 1585. Historic costumed interpreters are featured throughout the Settlement Site and the Elizabeth II ship to demonstrate how the first settlers lived, worked and played on Roanoke Island. For a hands-on history lesson, visit American Indian Town and the Adventure Museum that feature interactive exhibits that all ages will enjoy. Experience an unforgettable adventure on the Outer Banks at Roanoke Island Festival Park – where history comes alive.
While visiting Manteo, be sure to stop by Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Amongst the shallow blue waters of the Outer Banks lies Fort Raleigh on Roanoke Island. Shaped by constant winds of change, Fort Raleigh has become a focal point of American history. From the first Algonquian-speaking people to the first English colonies, from formerly enslaved people starting anew to an inventor testing new radio technology, this island continues to be a place to forge new paths.
For an additional historical stop, check out the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills.
Roanoke Island Festival Park is at 1 Festival Park, Manteo, NC 27954.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church – Bath
St. Thomas Episcopal Church, in the heart of Historic Bath, has been an active parish for more than 300 years. The church was built in 1734 and is the oldest church building in the state. The books, sent to the church’s congregation as a connection to the established church in England, made up the state’s first lending library. Services are held in the historic structure every Sunday as well as other times throughout the year and visitors are welcome.
Be sure to make a stop in Washington for lunch and shopping when making your visit to Bath.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church is at 101 Craven St, Bath, NC 27808.
Tryon Palace – New Bern
Despite being born and raised in eastern North Carolina, I had never been to Tryon Palace and toured to property until our weekend trip a couple years ago. New Bern was the original state capital in North Carolina before moving to Raleigh thanks to its location on the water. Tryon Palace was where four state governors, Richard Caswell, Abner Nash, Alexander Martin and Richard Dobbs Spaight, lived during the time in office. Unfortunately, the Palace proper caught on fire in 1798 (the state capital had moved to Raleigh in 1792). In the 1950s, Tryon Palace was rebuilt and opened to the public in 1959 and is now a state historic site.
The Palace and Gardens are part of the experience, though there are other historic landmarks included in the property. It is a great way to spend a morning learning more about the original history of the buildings and exploring the gardens. Find all of the tour options, including Life on the Lesser Stairs Tour, which highlights the lives of the men, women, and children, both enslaved and indentured, who worked to make this large and important household function. The tour covers the Palace, Stables, and Kitchen Office first floors to shine a light on the individuals who also called the Palace home but whose lives were often overlooked.
Tryon Palace is located at
Must-Visit Historic Sites in Piedmont NC
American Tobacco Campus – Durham
Photo by GloryRoze Photography
The American Tobacco Campus was formerly the site of the American Tobacco Company, which was once the world’s largest tobacco firm. At its peak, the American Tobacco Company controlled 90% of the U.S. tobacco market and the “Lucky Strike” brand was widely known. Historically, the company played a crucial role in Durham’s economic development as the city’s leading employer and key enterprise. However, as public health concerns over tobacco usage increased, the industry declined and eventually, the American Tobacco Company shut down its Durham factory in 1987, relocating to Reidsville. Subsequently, the area around the ATC saw a gradual decline in commercial and residential facilities. The revitalization of the American Tobacco Campus was completed in 3 phases and now features restaurants, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham Performing Arts Center, co-working spaces, and much more. (From Thoughts on Overseas Travels：The Revival and Redevelopment of the American Tobacco Campus)
Burwell School Historic Site – Hillsborough
The Burwell School Historic Site in Hillsborough preserves the setting for one of the state’s earliest schools for girls, The Burwell Academy for Young Ladies. Today, tour the site’s two-acre property to see the historic Burwell residence (ca. 1821, 1848), the original brick classroom building of Robert and Margaret A Burwell, the gardens and a rare brick “necessary house.” The tour focuses on life at the Burwell School from 1837 – 1857, when it was the home of the large Burwell family, a varying number of free and enslaved servants, and the remarkable story of Elizabeth Keckly, who was enslaved and later purchased her freedom and became a prominent businesswoman and activist in Washington, DC, as well as the confidante and dressmaker to First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.
Burwell School Historic Site is at 319 N Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278.
The Carolina Inn – Chapel Hill
Photo by GloryRoze Photography
The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill celebrated its 100th anniversary and this quintessential spot offers delightful rooms, an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a patio that is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine in the evening. It is also walkable to most landmarks. A decade after it opened, the Hill family donated the inn itself to the university, stipulating that net profits, after the care and upkeep of the inn, would go to the Louis Round Wilson Library, particularly to the North Carolina Collection (from The Carolina Inn). The hotel is still owned by the university and managed by Destination by Hyatt, and the inn still gives generously to the North Carolina Collection at the Wilson Library.
The Carolina Inn is at 211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516.
Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum – Gibsonsville
Photo via Heritage Salon
Founded in 1902 by Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown, Palmer Memorial Institute transformed the lives of nearly 2,000 African American students. Today, the campus provides the setting where visitors can explore the place where boys and girls lived and learned during the greater part of the 20th century. The museum links Dr. Brown and Palmer Memorial Institute to the larger themes of African American history, women’s history, social history, and education, emphasizing the contributions African Americans made in North Carolina.
Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum is at 6136 Burlington Rd, Gibsonville, NC 27249.
Guilford County National Military Park – Greensboro
This park honors the site of the March 15, 1781, Battle of Guilford Courthouse in Greensboro. Visitors can view informational outdoor exhibits and monuments. Indoor activities include a 30-minute live-action film (shown on the hour), an animated battle map program, and Revolutionary War museum exhibits.
Guilford County National Military Park is at 2332 New Garden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410
International Civil Rights Museum – Greensboro
Greensboro was a key city in the Civil Rights Movement as it was the beginning of the sit-in movement in 1960. The International Civil Rights Center and Museum is located in the Woolworth building and the original lunch counter and stools have been preserved. There are various tour options, including the staff-guided tour, which is how I have visited the museum. I have visited the museum several times and it is an incredibly reflective and emotional experience. Book your tour here.
The International Civil Rights Museum is at 134 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401.
Mayberry Squad Car Tours – Mt. Airy
Photo by GloryRoze Photography
I grew up watching the Andy Griffith Show, so I was thrilled to take the Mayberry Squad Car Tour on a trip to Surry County. Andy Griffith was born and raised in Mount Airy before attending college at UNC-Chapel Hill, and wow is the town proud of him! We had the best tour guide, Steve, who is native to Mount Airy and shared quite a bit of local history with us as well. Before the tour, I did not know that Mount Airy is home to the largest rock quarry in the world, which gives it the nickname of Granite City. After the tour, be sure to take a look at the courthouse replica and shop locally made goods in Wally’s Filling Station. It was truly such a fun experience!
While in town, do be sure to stop by the Dairy Center for a famous ground steak sammie. Thank me later for that!
Squad Car Tours is located at 625 S Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030.
Mordecai Historic Park – Raleigh
Located in downtown Raleigh, this site is home to some of the most extraordinary treasures of Wake County and North Carolina. Building in the historic park include the Mordecai House and the overseer’s office and cure barn, Allen Kitchen and Ellen Mordecai Garden, the Badge Iredell Law Office, St. Mark’s Chapel and the 1800 birthplace of the 17th U.S. president, Andrew Johnson.
You can stroll the park at any time; however, if you want to tour the properties, you will start at the Visitor Center. You can buy tour tickets here. Historic Raleigh Trolley tours are offered on Saturdays March-December. These tours are an hour and offer a narrated tour of notable historic sites in Raleigh.
Public tours are not offered if school groups are onsite, so do call ahead to confirm availability for tours of the Mordecai Historic Park properties.
Mordecai Historic Park is at 1 Mimosa St. Raleigh, NC 27604.
R.J. Reynolds Building – Winston-Salem
Photo via Atlanta Magazine
The R.J. Reynolds Building in R.J. Reynolds Building was the architectural muse for the Empire State Building in New York City. This art deco gem was originally the home of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. In 2016, the R.J. Reynolds building was re-opened as the Kimpton Cardinal with a delightful restaurant located on the first floor. The Katharine is named for the Reynolds matriarch and serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers a snow globe experience in the cooler months.
The R.J. Reynolds is at 51 East Fourth Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
Old Salem Museums and Gardens – Winston-Salem
The Old Salem Museums and Gardens are open February-December on Wednesdays-Saturdays. Old Salem is a collection of living history museums where visitors can participate in hands-on activities, visit the original buildings, hear storytelling, and more. Old Salem tells the stories of Moravian, Black, and Indigenous peoples in the American South. There are incredible art museums, including the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts.
The Tavern at Old Salem unfortunately do not re-open as the rest of Old Salem re-opened post-Covid. That said, it recently sold and is undergoing extensive renovations to re-open under new ownership. Stay tuned and make plans to have dinner here after a day of exploring the grounds.
Old Salem is at 900 Old Salem Road, Winston Salem, NC 27101.
Shell Service Station – Winston-Salem
Photo via Best of Winston
This quirky photo op is the last Shell Oil clam station in the United States. These Shell Service Stations were built in Winston-Salem by locally-owned Quality Oil. Preservation North Carolina restored this building in the 1990s and still hold the protective covenants of the property.
The Shell Service Station is located at 1111 E Sprague St, Winston-Salem, NC 27107.
Duke University Chapel – Durham
Philadelphia architect Julian Francis Abele designed Duke Chapel, and also designed the entire Duke University campus, a project that spanned more than a decade and helped him survive the Great Depression. Despite his vision and design of the Duke Chapel, he never saw his project in person because, as an African American, he was not allowed on campus during that time. In 2016, Abele Quad was dedicated in memory and honor of his work on campus. Abele Quad goes up north to Chapel Quad with the Duke Chapel looming in the background. There is also a dedicated space in Duke Chapel with Abele’s history and contributions to the Duke community.
The Chapel is free and open to the public with the exceptions for weddings or other private events. A calendar of events can be found here, with information on recurring events and Bible studies, dinner opportunities, concerts, and guest speakers. While you are on campus, be sure to stroll the grounds and check out Abele Quad. There are also excellent dining options at the Brodhead Center or off campus in downtown Durham.
Duke University Chapel is at 401 Chapel Drive, Durham, NC 27708.
Parking Notes
The closest public parking area to the Chapel is the Bryan Center Parking Garage at 125 Science Drive. ADA parking is available in the parking lot immediately in front of the garage. When the Bryan Center Parking Garage is full, other options include the Science Drive Lot and Science Drive Garage. Please leave plenty of time to park, as the availability of parking on campus varies considerably.
The cost to park is typically $2 per hour. For some special events, there is a $5 flat fee for parking in the Bryan Center Parking Garage and designated overflow areas.
Town Creek Indian Mound – Mt. Gilead
Photo via Town Creek Indian Mound Blog
Town Creek Indian Mound is an unusual phenomenon in the history of North American archaeology. While most archaeological sites are investigated for a few years before archaeologists move on to new locations, Town Creek, situated on Little River (a tributary of the Great Pee Dee in central North Carolina), has been the focus of a consistent program of archaeological research for more than half a century. This site has offered extensive research opportunities on understanding the scientific impacts native Americans had on the continent. Check out a more detailed history of Town Creek Indian Mound here.
Town Creek Indian Mound is at 509 Town Creek Mound Rd., Mt. Gilead, NC 27306.
Walnut Cove Colored School: a Rosenwald School – Walnut Cove
Photo via The Stokes News
Rosenwald schools provided Black communities with funding to build and supply schools for Black students between 1913 and 1932. North Carolina had 800 Rosenwald Schools, though less than 40 remain today. Walnut Cove was built in 1921 and was used as a school and a community gathering place for over 30 years. Read more about how a school alumni stepped in to save the school. Today, Walnut Cove is used as a senior center for the community.
See the centennial documentary about the school at the 16:58 mark here.
Walnut Cove Colored School is located at 308 Brook St, Walnut Cove, NC 27052.
Must-Visit Historic Sites in Western NC
Biltmore Estate – Asheville
Biltmore Estate is America’s largest private home and is a living museum featuring the 250-room mansion, 8,000 acres of land to explore with various outdoor activities, Antler Village, home to Biltmore Winery, shopping, restaurants, and historical exhibits. My favorite part of the Biltmore are the gardens. They are truly incredible no matter the time of year, though, in 2024, I got to see the tulips in mid-March and still daydream about that experience. Purchase your tickets in advance here.
Tropical Storm Helene Update: Biltmore House and the Conservatory, Winery, Gardens, and overnight properties received minimal or no damage from the storm. That said, Biltmore Village, the area outside of the Biltmore Estate properties experienced extreme damage. Please keep that in mind as you are making plans for a visit. See more about the Biltmore’s response to Helene damage here.
Biltmore Estate is located at 1 Lodge Street, Asheville, NC 28803.
Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center – Asheville
Photo via Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center
Welcome! Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center (BMCM+AC) celebrates the history and legacy of Black Mountain College, an experiment in community and arts-centered education near Black Mountain, NC, open from 1933 until 1957. This space offers historic and contemporary exhibitions, dynamic events, and research opportunities for those interested in any and all aspects of Black Mountain College (BMC). David is an art teacher, so he and I are equally fascinated by this from the historical aspects and from the famous artists who attended college here. Admission is free.
Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center is at 120 College Street, Asheville NC, 28801
Consider making an extra night/day and drive to Tryon, NC to explore their art galleries and wineries.
Mast Farm Inn – Valle Crucis
The main house on the property was finished in 1896, though the log cabin that faces the main house was built in 1810. Three generations of the Mast family lived in this cabin and raised corn, grain, sheep, cattle, and food for the family. That cabin is now the Loom House and would be a great spot for a romantic weekend getaway! The original cabin is widely believed to be the oldest habitable log cabin in the state of North Carolina. David and I make an annual November trip to stay at Mast Farm Inn in Valle Crucis and it is the one trip we do the same thing every time we visit.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park – Blowing Rock
This country estate was developed during the 1890s and early 1900s by Moses and Bertha Cone, the son and daughter of German and Jewish immigrants. Moses and his brother Caesar established one of North Carolina’s largest textile empires during the late 19th and early 20th century.
Cone fashioned the estate, with its 23-room Colonial Revival mansion Flat Top Manor, as a healthful retreat from the rigors of his business empire. 25 miles of well-planned carriage roads, two man-made lakes, and apple orchards are part of the estate.
Today, the manor and the entire estate are one of the most heavily used areas along the Parkway and home to the Parkway Craft Center. Carriage roads are popular for hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing, especially by residents of the Boone and Blowing Rock areas.
Together the Moses H. Cone Park and Julian Price Memorial Park comprise the largest developed area set aside for public recreation on the Blue Ridge Parkway. (from blueridgeparkway.org)
This is a must-visit spot when in Blowing Rock!
The Moses H. Cone Park is at 6570 Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Road to Nowhere – Bryson City
Photo via Bryson City
In the 1930s and 1940s, Swain County gave up the majority of its private land to the Federal Government for the creation of Fontana Lake and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Fontana Lake is actually a reservoir for Fontana Dam, which was built as a TVA project during World War II to produce electricity for ALCOA aluminum plants in Tennessee as well as for Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Manhattan Project. Hundreds of people were forced to leave the small Smoky Mountain communities that had been their homes for generations. With the creation of the Park, their homes were gone, and so was Old Highway 288 the road to those communities. The old road was buried beneath the deep waters of Fontana Lake. Fontana Dam Facts and History
The Federal government promised to replace Highway 288 with a new road. Lakeview Drive was to have stretched along the north shore of Fontana Lake, from Bryson City to Fontana, 30 miles to the west. And, of special importance to those displaced residents, it was to have provided access to the old family cemeteries where generations of ancestors remained behind.
But Lakeview Drive fell victim to an environmental issue and construction was stopped, with the road ending at a tunnel, about six miles into the park. The environmental issue was eventually deemed too expensive and the roadwork was never resumed. And Swain County’s citizens gave the unfinished Lakeview Drive its popular, albeit unofficial name “The Road To Nowhere.” (via greatsmokies.org)
Directions: From downtown Bryson City head north on Everett Street and continue on Fontana Road for about 2.5 miles until you reach the national park entrance called “Lakeview Drive.” This scenic drive travels another six miles to the “Road to Nowhere Tunnel.”
Vance Birthplace – Weaverville
Photo via Romantic Asheville
Zebulon B. Vance, a North Carolina governor and United States Senator, was born on this property in 1830. This site explores the daily lives of those who lived and worked this space in the early 1800s in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Vance Birthplace has done an incredible job of preserving historic artifacts of those enslaved people that lived and worked the property. The property has re-opened in the wake of Hurricane Helene, though is still going through some clean-up efforts.
Vance Birthplace is at 911 Reems Creek Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787.
Plan Your Trips to Visit the Must-See Historic Sites in North Carolina
I have compiled a Google Map for you to utilize when planning your trip for these must-visit North Carolina historic sites. Be sure to tell me which are your favorites in the comments below and feel free to share your favorite historic spots around the state as well!
