East Raleigh–South Park Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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East Raleigh–South Park Historic District
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Leonard Hall at Shaw University
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Bragg, East, E. Lenoir, Alston, Camden, Hargett, Swain, Davis, and S. Blount Sts., Raleigh, North Carolina |
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| Area | 148 acres (60 ha) |
| Built | 1866 |
| Architect | Edward, Gaston A.; Et al. |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 90001527 |
| Added to NRHP | October 11, 1990 |
The East Raleigh–South Park Historic District is a very important historical area in Raleigh, North Carolina. It's known as the largest African-American neighborhood in the city. This district is located just south and east of downtown Raleigh. It covers about 30 city blocks and includes parts of the Smith–Haywood and St. Petersburg neighborhoods. Many of the homes here were built a long time ago, between 1900 and 1940. Some even date back to the 1800s! You can find famous buildings like Estey Hall and Leonard Hall within this district, both on the campus of Shaw University. This special area was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in October 1990.
Contents
Discovering East Raleigh–South Park's History
The East Raleigh–South Park Historic District is a significant place. It tells the story of a thriving African-American community. This area grew into a lively neighborhood over many years. It became a center for homes, businesses, and community life.
A Look at the Neighborhood's Growth
Most of the buildings in this district were built between 1900 and 1940. This was a time of growth for Raleigh. Many families moved into these neighborhoods. They created a strong and supportive community. About one-fifth of the buildings are even older. They date back to the 1800s.
Homes and Architecture
The homes in the district show different building styles. You can see examples of Colonial Revival architecture. This style often includes grand entrances and balanced designs. There are also homes built in the Italianate architecture style. These often have tall windows and decorative eaves. These styles reflect the popular designs of their time.
Important Buildings and Shaw University
The district is home to some very important buildings. Two of these are Estey Hall and Leonard Hall. Both are located on the campus of Shaw University. Shaw University itself has a rich history. It was founded in 1865. It is one of the oldest historically Black universities in the South.
Estey Hall: A Landmark
Estey Hall is a beautiful and historic building. It was built in 1874. It was the first building in the United States built for the higher education of African-American women. It stands as a symbol of educational opportunity.
Leonard Hall: A Place of Learning
Leonard Hall is another key building. It was completed in 1881. It served as a medical school building. It played a vital role in training African-American doctors. This was very important for healthcare in the community.
Why This District is Historic
The East Raleigh–South Park Historic District is important for several reasons. It shows how African-American communities developed. It highlights their strength and self-reliance. The district also preserves many historic buildings. These buildings tell stories of education, community, and daily life.
National Recognition
In October 1990, the district received special recognition. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means the area is considered important to the history of the United States. This listing helps protect the district. It also helps people learn about its unique past.
