Out of the more than 90,000 listings of historic structures, buildings, objects, sites, and districts in the National Register across the U.S., North Carolina owns approximately 2,900, lately coming in at an average of 35 new nominations per year. Out of the state’s properties listed in the National Register, only about 15 percent are publicly owned. Below are a few historic villages you are free to investigate and roam in The Tar Heel State, holding interesting secrets to the past.
- Historic Halifax, Halifax
Historic Halifax/Facebook Historic Halifax holds significant history as in the spring of 1776, North Carolina’s Fourth Provincial Congress met in Halifax, and on April 12 unanimously adopted a document later called the “Halifax Resolves,” the first official action by an entire colony recommending independence from England. Halifax State Historic Site, 25 St David St, Halifax, NC 27839, USA
And the colonial cemetery tombstones tell many stories about people long gone who lived in the area.
Historic Halifax/Facebook Through the important genealogical records, their important histories live on.
- Old Waynesborough Park, Goldsboro
Old Waynesborough/Facebook Located on the site of the former town of Waynesborough, these lovely 150 acres along the Neuse and Little Rivers, offer a village featuring nine historic buildings brought from across the county. Check out this lovely general store. Old Waynesborough Park, 801 US-117, Goldsboro, NC 27530, USA
- Henry River Mill Village, Hickory
Henry River Mill Village/Facebook Originally erected in 1905, this historic property offers a picture of a typical textile mill village in the Carolinas. Tours run daily with special events featured throughout the year. Henry River Road, Henry River Rd, North Carolina, USA
- Historic Town of Gold Hill and Gold Hill Mines Historic Park, Gold Hill
Gold Hill Mines Historic Park/Facebook Step back in time and experience life in an authentic, 19th-century gold-mining village, including the Powder House for storing dynamite. This structure is located on the walking trail that is a part of the Gold Hill Rail Trail. Guided tours are available. Gold Hill Mines Historic Park, 735 St Stephens Church Rd, Gold Hill, NC 28071, USA
- Hart Square Village, Vale
Worgberg, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Established in 1973, the 200-acre village is a collection of 103 log cabins and buildings preserved by Dr. Robert Hart III. See what upcoming classes are offered. Hart Square Village, 5055 Hope Rd, Vale, NC 28168, USA
- Carl J. McEwen Historic Village, Mint Hill
Management/TripAdvisor This small piece of American history is a treasure holding memories of simpler times. Public and private tours are offered with informed guides of Mint Hill life back in 1800-1900. Carl J McEwen Historic Village, 7601 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227, USA
We hope you are moved to visit one of these historic villages and experience North Carolina’s past. They truly make it possible to travel back in time. For more information about North Carolina’s good ol’ days, read about these 10 historic towns.
Historic Halifax/Facebook
Historic Halifax holds significant history as in the spring of 1776, North Carolina’s Fourth Provincial Congress met in Halifax, and on April 12 unanimously adopted a document later called the “Halifax Resolves,” the first official action by an entire colony recommending independence from England.
Halifax State Historic Site, 25 St David St, Halifax, NC 27839, USA
Through the important genealogical records, their important histories live on.
Old Waynesborough/Facebook
Located on the site of the former town of Waynesborough, these lovely 150 acres along the Neuse and Little Rivers, offer a village featuring nine historic buildings brought from across the county. Check out this lovely general store.
Old Waynesborough Park, 801 US-117, Goldsboro, NC 27530, USA
Henry River Mill Village/Facebook
Originally erected in 1905, this historic property offers a picture of a typical textile mill village in the Carolinas. Tours run daily with special events featured throughout the year.
Henry River Road, Henry River Rd, North Carolina, USA
Gold Hill Mines Historic Park/Facebook
Step back in time and experience life in an authentic, 19th-century gold-mining village, including the Powder House for storing dynamite. This structure is located on the walking trail that is a part of the Gold Hill Rail Trail. Guided tours are available.
Gold Hill Mines Historic Park, 735 St Stephens Church Rd, Gold Hill, NC 28071, USA
Worgberg, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Established in 1973, the 200-acre village is a collection of 103 log cabins and buildings preserved by Dr. Robert Hart III. See what upcoming classes are offered.
Hart Square Village, 5055 Hope Rd, Vale, NC 28168, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
This small piece of American history is a treasure holding memories of simpler times. Public and private tours are offered with informed guides of Mint Hill life back in 1800-1900.
Carl J McEwen Historic Village, 7601 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227, USA
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