List of National Historic Landmarks in North Carolina facts for kids

National Historic Landmarks are special places in the United States that have been recognized for their important history. These landmarks tell amazing stories about our country's past. They could be buildings, battlefields, or even shipwrecks!

North Carolina is home to 39 of these incredible National Historic Landmarks. Each one helps us learn more about the people and events that shaped North Carolina and the entire nation. Let's explore some of these fascinating sites!

Historic Homes and Estates

North Carolina has many beautiful homes that are also important historical sites. These places offer a peek into how people lived long ago.

Biltmore Estate: America's Largest Home

The grand Biltmore Estate in Asheville.

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is the largest private home in the United States. It was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s. This huge mansion has 250 rooms and amazing gardens. It's like stepping into a fairy tale!

Blandwood: A Governor's Tuscan Home

Blandwood, a unique Italian-style mansion.

Blandwood in Greensboro was the home of John Motley Morehead. He was a progressive governor of North Carolina. The house was designed by a famous architect, Alexander Jackson Davis. It looks like an Italian villa right here in North Carolina!

Carl Sandburg's Farm: Connemara

The peaceful Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site.

Connemara in Flat Rock was the home of Carl Sandburg. He was a famous American poet and writer. This peaceful farm is now a national historic site. It lets visitors learn about his life and work.

Cooleemee: An Innovative Plantation House

Cooleemee Plantation, known for its unique design.

Cooleemee is a historic plantation house near Mocksville. It's known for its special design, influenced by architect William H. Ranlett. This house shows how architecture was changing in the Piedmont region.

Coolmore Plantation: A Glimpse of the Past

Coolmore Plantation, a historic site near Tarboro.

Coolmore Plantation is located near Tarboro. This plantation offers a look into the agricultural history of North Carolina. It reminds us of the state's past farming traditions.

Cupola House: A Unique Edenton Home

The Cupola House, named for its distinctive roof feature.

The Cupola House in Edenton is a very old house. It has a special small dome, called a cupola, on its roof. This house is a great example of early American architecture.

Hayes Plantation: A Historic Estate

Hayes Manor, a grand plantation in Edenton.

Hayes Plantation is another important historic site in Edenton. It's a large estate that played a role in the region's history. The plantation shows the lifestyle of prominent families in the past.

Hinton Rowan Helper House: Home of an Abolitionist

The Hinton Rowan Helper House.

The Hinton Rowan Helper House in Mocksville was the home of Hinton Rowan Helper. He was an important writer who spoke out against slavery. His book, "The Impending Crisis of the South," was very influential.

Pauli Murray Family Home: A Center for Justice

The Pauli Murray Family Home in Durham.

The Pauli Murray Family Home in Durham was the childhood home of Pauli Murray. She was a pioneering civil rights activist, lawyer, and priest. Today, it's the Pauli Murray Center, dedicated to justice and human rights.

Nash-Hooper House: A Hillsborough Landmark

The Nash-Hooper House in Hillsborough.

The Nash-Hooper House is a historic home in Hillsborough. It's recognized for its architectural style and its connection to important families in North Carolina's history.

Thomas Wolfe House: A Writer's Home

The Thomas Wolfe House in Asheville.

The Thomas Wolfe House in Asheville was the childhood home of famous author Thomas Wolfe. His novel, "Look Homeward, Angel," was inspired by his life in this very house. It's a must-see for literature fans!

Important Public Buildings and Sites

These landmarks include buildings and places that were central to public life and government.

North Carolina State Capitol: The Heart of Government

The North Carolina State Capitol building.

The North Carolina State Capitol building in Raleigh is where the state's government works. It's a beautiful and historic building. It has been the center of North Carolina's political life for many years.

Chowan County Courthouse: A Historic Courtroom

The Chowan County Courthouse in Edenton.

The Chowan County Courthouse in Edenton is one of the oldest courthouses in the United States. It's a great example of colonial-era public architecture. Many important legal decisions were made here.

Market House: A Unique Town Center

The Market House in Fayetteville.

The Market House in Fayetteville is a very unique building. It served as a market on the ground floor and a town hall upstairs. It's a symbol of the city's history and commerce.

Old East: UNC's First Building

Old East, the first building of UNC Chapel Hill.

Old East is the very first building of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It was built in 1795. This makes it the first building of the first state university in the United States!

Playmakers Theatre: A Greek Revival Gem

Playmakers Theatre at UNC Chapel Hill.

The Playmakers Theatre is also located in Chapel Hill. It's an academic building designed in the Greek Revival style. This beautiful theater was also designed by Alexander Jackson Davis.

Industrial and Economic Landmarks

These sites highlight North Carolina's history in business and industry.

W. T. Blackwell and Company Tobacco Factory: Bull Durham

The historic Blackwell and Company Tobacco Factory.

The W. T. Blackwell and Company Tobacco Factory in Durham is also known as the Bull Durham Tobacco Factory. It was a very important place for tobacco production. This factory played a big role in Durham's economy.

Duke Homestead and Tobacco Factory: Washington Duke's Legacy

The Duke Homestead, where the Duke family started.

The Duke Homestead and Tobacco Factory in Durham was the home and factory of Washington Duke. He was a key figure in the tobacco industry. This site shows the beginnings of a huge business empire.

Old North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company Building: Black-Owned Business

The historic North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company Building.

The Old North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company Building in Durham is a significant commercial building from 1921. It was the second headquarters of a major insurance company owned by African Americans. This building represents an important part of Black business history.

Reed Gold Mine: America's First Gold Discovery

Panning for gold at the Reed Gold Mine.

The Reed Gold Mine near Concord is where gold was first discovered in the United States! This exciting discovery happened in 1799. Today, you can visit and even try panning for gold yourself.

Military and Conflict Sites

These landmarks mark important battles and military history.

Bentonville Battlefield: A Civil War Site

The Bentonville Battlefield, a Civil War site.

The Bentonville Battlefield near Bentonville and Newton Grove was the site of the Battle of Bentonville. This was a major battle during the American Civil War. It was one of the last big battles of the war.

Fort Fisher: A Coastal Stronghold

A depiction of Fort Fisher during battle.

Fort Fisher near Wilmington was a very important coastal fort during the Civil War. It protected the port of Wilmington. The fort saw heavy fighting and was a key target for Union forces.

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park: Revolutionary War Battle

Statue of Nathanael Greene at Guilford Courthouse.

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park in Greensboro preserves part of the Battle of Guilford Court House. This was a significant battle during the American Revolutionary War. It weakened the British army, helping the Americans win independence.

USS Monitor: An Ironclad Shipwreck

An engraving showing the USS Monitor sinking.

The shipwreck of the USS Monitor lies off the coast of Cape Hatteras. This was a famous ironclad warship from the Civil War. It was known for its battle with the CSS Virginia. The Monitor sank in a storm in 1862.

USS North Carolina: A Mighty Battleship

The USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial in Wilmington.

The USS North Carolina is a powerful battleship docked in Wilmington. It served bravely during World War II. Today, it's a memorial where visitors can explore the ship and learn about naval history.

Religious and Community Sites

These landmarks show the history of different communities and their faith.

Bethabara Historic District: Moravian Settlement

The historic Bethabara Moravian Church.

The Bethabara Historic District in Winston-Salem is the area of a 1753 Moravian settlement. The Moravians were a religious group who came to North Carolina seeking religious freedom. This district shows their early community life.

Bethania Historic District: Another Moravian Village

A historic building in the Bethania Historic District.

The Bethania Historic District in Bethania is another Moravian settlement. It was founded in 1759. This district is a well-preserved example of a Moravian village.

Christ Episcopal Church: Early Gothic Architecture

Christ Episcopal Church in Raleigh.

Christ Episcopal Church in Raleigh is a beautiful church. It might be the earliest Gothic architecture church in the Southern United States. It was designed in 1846 by Richard Upjohn.

Old Salem Historic District: A Living Museum

Living history interpreters at Old Salem.

The Old Salem Historic District in Winston-Salem is an early Moravian settlement. Today, it's a living history museum. You can see how people lived and worked in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Salem Tavern: A Historic Inn

The historic Salem Tavern.

The Salem Tavern in Winston-Salem was built in the 1700s. It was an important social center for the North Carolina Piedmont region. Many travelers and locals gathered here.

Single Brothers' House: Moravian Traditions

The Single Brothers' House in Old Salem.

The Single Brothers' House in Winston-Salem is another example of Moravian architecture. It shows the unique building traditions of the Moravians. It was where single men of the community lived and worked.

Union Tavern: Thomas Day's Influence

The Union Tavern in Milton.

The Union Tavern in Milton is an early 19th-century building. It has strong ties to Thomas Day. He was an influential free Black cabinetmaker. His work is highly valued.

Archaeological and Natural Sites

These landmarks reveal ancient history and important natural features.

Hardaway Site: An Ancient Archaeological Site

Badin Lake, near the Hardaway Site.

The Hardaway Site near Badin is an important archaeological site. It contains evidence of very early human settlements in North Carolina. Archaeologists have found many ancient tools here.

Town Creek Indian Mound: A Native American Site

The Town Creek Indian Mound.

The Town Creek Indian Mound near Mount Gilead is an ancient archaeological site. It was once a ceremonial center for Native American communities. You can see reconstructed buildings and learn about their culture.

Cape Hatteras Light Station: Tallest Lighthouse

The iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

The Cape Hatteras Light Station in Buxton is the tallest lighthouse in the United States! It stands 208 feet tall. This lighthouse has guided ships safely along the Outer Banks for many years.

Recreational and Memorial Sites

These landmarks are important for recreation and remembering key events.

Pinehurst Historic District: A Famous Resort Community

A charming cottage in Pinehurst.

The Pinehurst Historic District in Pinehurst is a famous resort community. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. He also designed Central Park in New York City! It includes the famous Pinehurst Resort golf courses.

Wright Brothers National Memorial: First Flight Site

The Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center.

The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills marks the site of the first successful airplane flight. Orville and Wilbur Wright made history here in 1903. This memorial celebrates their amazing achievement.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in North Carolina
• List of National Historic Landmarks by state