Downtown Raleigh’s Oldest Buildings
As we near the end of preservation month, what better time to highlight some of downtown Raleigh’s oldest buildings? Raleigh was founded and established as the capital of North Carolina in 1792, and a lot of original buildings from that time period still exist today. While there are many beautifully preserved buildings in our city, here are five of our favorites:
The State Bank of North Carolina - Current location: 11 New Bern Ave.
Built in 1813, this is Raleigh's oldest surviving financial and commercial building. The Greek Revival building was used first as the State Bank of North Carolina. The structure passed through a few hands before being added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1970. It is still being used as a bank today by the State Employees Credit Union.
Joel Lane Museum House - Current location: 160 S. Saint Mary’s St.
Built in 1769 by Joel Lane, a plantation owner and early settler, the Joel Lane house is the oldest home in Wake County and believed by many to be the birthplace of Raleigh itself. Stop by for a tour from a docent wearing traditional 18th century garb!
All Saints Chapel - Current location: 110 S. East St.
This little white chapel on East Street was originally built in 1875, but has had three different addresses in downtown Raleigh! One of the few carpenter Gothic structures left of its kind, the chapel started on Hillsborough Street, moved to Morgan Street in the early 1900s, then to its current home on East Street in 2006. The building was lovingly restored and deconsecrated, and now hosts weddings and events.
The North Carolina State Capitol Building - Current location: 1 Edenton St.
This beautiful Greek Revival-style structure opened in 1840 in what was, at the time, the exact middle of Raleigh. Preservation groups like the North Carolina State Capitol Foundation have done an outstanding job of preserving the building and its rich history - all while official government business still takes place inside! The Capitol building is currently closed to the public for roof repairs but will reopen soon.
Haywood Hall - Current location: 211 New Bern Pl.
Completed in 1799 by Treasurer John Haywood, the home is a rare example of Raleigh’s Federal-style frame houses. Haywood’s great-granddaughter bequeathed the property to a preservation group to maintain as a historic site, and it is now a charming wedding and event venue in the heart of downtown Raleigh.