From the icy mountain streams to the coastal sand dunes, and from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, North Carolina is always fascinating to both visitors and residents. The state is not only a hotbed of natural attractions but also a melting pot of history and culture. Stories of the early gold rush, the American Indians hunting in the untouched forests, battlegrounds for the American Civil War, and even stories about the sailors who fought for independence will never be complete without a mention of North Carolina. If you are a history buff, then here is a look at some of the historical places in North Carolina, USA.
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1. USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial
The USS North Carolina Battleship sits permanently on a dock across the Cape Fear River. It is a reminder of the brave young men who put their lives on the line while aboard the ship during the Second World War. A step inside the massive ship tells a story of the type of life as well as the kinds of experiences the young men might have had. There is an introductory film to all visitors, as well as a guided tour of all the nine levels of the ship. If you consider yourself a patriot, then this is a history you must relieve, especially when pretending to steer the ship, starting the engine or even firing one of her guns.
USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial
Address: 1 Battleship Rd, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
Website: USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 2 USD (adults - 12 & over); 10 USD (seniors - 65 & over); 10 USD (military - active or retired, military spouses, military adult children with ID cards); 6 USD (children aged 6 to 11); free (children aged 5 & under)
2. Bennet Palace State Historic Site
Who's Ready for the Snow?! Bennett Place will post its schedule later on, if our hours change due to the storm. Stay safe and warm everyone!
Posted by Bennett Place Historic Site on Friday, 6 January 2017
If you are a fun of American civil history, especially the history of the civil wars, then a visit to the Bennet Palace State Historic Site is a must when you are in North Carolina. It was at this place where Joseph E. Johnson, a major in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War, surrendered. What you find here now may appear like nothing more than a farmhouse, but it is where serious negotiations that finally led to the largest troop surrender happened. Visiting this place will give you a glimpse of the toil the Civil War had, as well as the intricate terms for the surrender of the Confederate army.
Bennet Palace State Historic Site
Address: 4409 Bennett Memorial Rd, Durham, NC 27705, USA
Website: Bennet Palace State Historic Site
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
3. Historic Bath
295 years ago this month, Isaac Ottiwell was appointed the Customs Collector for the port of Bath, NC. Custom officials...
Posted by Historic Bath Site on Wednesday, 13 March 2019
Believe it or not, Bath was NC’s first port and town. It was incorporated in 1705, though its history dates back to many years ago, given that it is believed to have been the home to the famous pirate Blackhead. Bath is also the home to several other historic houses, including the Van Deer House, believed to have been built around 1790.
Historic Bath Tour
Address: 207 Carteret St, Bath, North Carolina 27808
Website: Historic Bath
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 2 USD (adults); 1 USD (students)
4. Fort Dobbs State Historic Site
A great shot of the fort by our own Andrew Shook!
Posted by Fort Dobbs State Historic Site on Friday, 14 June 2019
Fort Dobbs was named in honor of Arthur Dobbs who was the colonial governor of North Carolina between 1754 and 1765. The fort was constructed to provide protection for the British settler who lived in the Rowan County. It was used as an important outpost for the colonial officials, farmers, traders, and the soldiers. The primary structure is a blockhouse with log walls, and it tells the incredible story of the perennial history of the fight between England and France, and their struggle to both claim a piece of the New World.
Fort Dobbs State Historic Site
Address: 438 Fort Dobbs Rd, Statesville, North Carolina 28625
Website: Fort Dobbs State Historic Site
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: Free admission
5. Old Salem
Posted by Old Salem Museums & Gardens on Wednesday, 16 May 2018
Old Salem is a historic district in North Carolina whose very first inhabitants were the Moravian community. One of the major attractions you will find in Old Salem is a living history museum that attempts to recreate the restored Moravian community. A visit to this place will expose you to the culture and the way of life of the Moravian during the 18th and 19th centuries. You will discover more about the churches, houses, shops, and even the communal buildings just as they were when the Moravian actively inhabited the area.
Old Salem Tour
Address: 600 S Main St, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101
Website: Old Salem
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 1pm - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 27 USD (adults); 13 USD (students)
6. Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
Nacreous pearl light swam faintly about the hem of the lilac darkness; the edges of light and darkness were stitched...
Posted by Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site on Thursday, 27 July 2017
Thomas Wolfe was one of the finest American novelists of the 20th century. He is credited for writing four lengthy novels and a myriad of short stories. His contributions to the country’s literature left an indelible mark, and now you can visit Thomas Wolfe Memorial to learn more about this literary giant. The memorial was his mother’s boarding house where he grew up. Visiting the place will give you a glimpse into Wolfe’s colorful but also turbulent childhood. If you are a fan of his works, then you will recognize some of the characters in some of his novels. The tour will be capped with a 22-minute film presentation of the legend’s life and writings.
Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
Address: 52 N Market St, Asheville, North Carolina 28801
Website: Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 5 USD (adults); 2 USD (students aged 7 - 17); 2.50 USD each (adult group); 2 USD each (student group); free (6 & under)
7. Greensboro Civil Rights Museum
This is not only a civil rights center and museum, but also an archive and a teaching center dedicated to celebrating the non-violent protests of the Greensboro sit-ins. These protests played a huge role in transforming the civil rights movements during the 1960s. What you find here are 14 interactive exhibits about human and civil rights movements. Lots of photos, video re-enactments, and artifacts are showcased, including the original lunch stools and counters used by the Greensboro Four during the February 1st protests of 1960.
Greensboro Civil Rights Museum
Address: 134 S Elm St Greensboro, North Carolina 27401
Website: Greensboro Civil Rights Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 15 USD (adults); 12 USD (seniors - 65 and older); 10 USD (students - 13 to college); 8 USD (youth aged 6 - 12); free (children aged 5 & under); 17 USD (self-guided tours); 25 USD (after hours tours)
8. The Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge
Moore's Creek Bridge Our ancestor John Fowler fought at the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge during the Revolutionary War. Ed Simmons is the great great grandson of John Fowler.
Posted by Spivey-Simmons Family on Tuesday, 10 November 2015
The Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge was one of the highlights of the Revolutionary War that saw the British rule defeated in North Carolina and provided a major boost to the patriot forces. It was at this place where the American forces planned and ambushed the British Army, forcing them to surrender, and finally freeing the region from the British.
The Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge
Address: Pender County, North Carolina
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Town Creek Indian Mound
Town Creek Indian Mound is a historical site dedicated to remembering the legacy of the American Indians. The mound was used as a ceremonial site where the natives and their visiting tribesmen would gather for ritual purification after settling grievances or trading. The mound was constructed by the Pee Dee Indians and it remains the only one ever constructed by the Indians in the entire region, thus making it a very unique and vital ancient architecture in North Carolina.
Town Creek Indian Mound
Address: 509 Town Creek Mound Rd, Mt Gilead, NC 27306, USA
Website: Town Creek Indian Mound
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Bentonville Battlefield
The Battle of Bentonville was the last full-scale attempt by the Confederate Army to defeat the Union Army during the dying days of the American Civil War. This National historic landmark is also where the Harper House, constructed in the mid-19th century, stands. The house was used as Union Field Hospital for the soldiers that got injured during the war. Visiting this place will not just put you on the grounds where the historic battle was fought and won but you will also have a glimpse of what a functioning Civil War field hospital looked like.
Bentonville Battlefield Tour
Address: 5466 Harper House Rd, Four Oaks, North Carolina 27524
Website: Bentonville Battlefield
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: Free admission
Enjoy the rich history of North Carolina
North Carolina’s contribution towards the liberation of the United States from the colonial rule was immense. Though the battles were fought centuries ago, you have a chance to learn more and get a glimpse of what might have transpired on the actual battlefields. If you are an astute student of history, or you consider yourself a patriot, then a visit to these sites will be very fulfilling.
History
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