Green Level, Wake County, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Green Level Historic District
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jct. Green Level Church, Green Level West Rd., and Beaver Dam Rd., Cary, North Carolina |
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| Area | 75 acres (30 ha) |
| Built | 1907 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival, Colonial Revival, et al. |
| MPS | Wake County MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 01000340 |
| Added to NRHP | April 5, 2001 |
Green Level is a small, historic community in Wake County, North Carolina. It's not a town, but a special area that has kept its old buildings and feel. It started way back around 1800. Even though it was once a busy stop for travelers, it's now part of the town of Cary. Green Level is known for being one of the best-preserved old communities in the county.
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History of Green Level
How Green Level Started
Green Level began as a busy crossroads in the early 1800s. It was a stop on the main road for stagecoaches. These coaches traveled between Raleigh and Pittsboro. This road crossed another important path from Holly Springs to Hillsborough. People called it "Green Level" because the land was flat and green. It became a popular resting place for travelers. It was also a meeting spot for local farmers. Families like Council, Ferrell, and Upchurch lived here.
A Growing Community
In 1847, Green Level got its own post office. This made it easier for people to send and receive mail. Several different people worked as postmasters over the years. However, the post office closed in 1888.
After the American Civil War, Green Level really started to grow. By the early 1870s, it had a Baptist church. There were also two mills for grinding grain and cutting wood. A Masonic Lodge was founded here in 1867. The community also had two schools and seven stores. The church, first called Providence Baptist, changed its name to Green Level Baptist Church in 1871.
Changes Over Time
Green Level continued to be a busy place into the early 1900s. It was important for local farmers who grew bright-leaf tobacco. This type of tobacco grew very well in Western Wake County. The rich soil there was perfect for it.
However, things began to change. When railroads and cars became common, the old stagecoach routes were no longer as important. Green Level started to decline in the mid-1900s. But its church and Masonic Lodge stayed active. Later in the 20th century, the area became more suburban. Many people who lived there commuted to jobs in nearby towns.
Green Level Historic District
What is a Historic District?
The main part of Green Level was named the Green Level Historic District in 2001. A historic district is a special area. It is protected because it has important historical buildings and sites. This district covers about 75 acres. It includes 31 important buildings, one historic site, and four structures. There is also a cemetery within its boundaries. The district is located around the intersection of Green Level Church Road and Green Level West Road. It also extends north along Green Level Church Road for about 3,000 feet.
Historic Buildings and Styles
The buildings in the district were mostly built between 1890 and 1945. They show different architectural styles. These include Colonial Revival and Gothic Revival.
One of the most important buildings is the Green Level Baptist Church. It was built in 1907. It is located near the main crossroads. The church has Gothic Revival details. It is one of the best-preserved country churches in Wake County.
Other notable buildings include the Green Level Community Store, built in 1945. There is also the A. C. and Helon Council House from the late 1800s. The Vick and Mattie Council House dates back to around 1890. The Alious H. and Daisey Mills Farm and Store was built in 1916. The district also includes the M. and Vallaria Council Farm. This is a well-preserved tobacco farm. Experts say the district is "remarkably intact." This means it still looks very much like it did in the past.
