Learn about Durham’s history
Durham
Learn about Durham’s history
Durham, North Carolina is a city with a rich history dating back to the 1700s. If you’re interested in learning about Durham’s past, there are many sites to explore. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the top things to do to learn about Durham’s history.
Visit the Duke Homestead State Historic Site
The Duke Homestead State Historic Site is a great place to start your journey into Durham’s history. This site was the home of Washington Duke, who was instrumental in the development of the American tobacco industry. The site includes Duke’s home, tobacco barns, and other historic buildings that give a glimpse into what life was like in the mid-19th century.
Explore the Museum of Durham History
The Museum of Durham History is another must-visit site for history buffs. This museum is located in downtown Durham and features exhibits that cover the city’s history from pre-colonial times to the present day. The museum also hosts events and educational programs throughout the year.
Walk through the Historic Districts
Durham has several historic districts that are worth exploring on foot. The Trinity Park and Cleveland-Holloway neighborhoods are two of the most notable, with many well-preserved homes and buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Tour the Stagville State Historic Site
Stagville State Historic Site is a former plantation that was home to hundreds of enslaved people in the 1800s. Today, the site includes several historic buildings, including slave quarters and a plantation house. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the lives of the people who lived and worked on the plantation.
Visit the Bennett Place State Historic Site
The Bennett Place State Historic Site is the location where Confederate General Joseph Johnston surrendered to Union General William Sherman, effectively ending the Civil War in the Southeast. The site includes a visitor center, museum, and several historic buildings that give insight into the events that took place in 1865.
Explore the Duke University Campus
Duke University is a world-renowned academic institution with a rich history. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the campus to see historic buildings, such as the Duke Chapel and the Gothic-style West Campus.
Learn about Black Wall Street
Durham’s Hayti neighborhood was once home to one of the most prosperous African American communities in the country. Known as Black Wall Street, this community thrived in the early 20th century with many successful businesses and institutions. Visitors can learn about this important part of Durham’s history at the Hayti Heritage Center.
Visit the Historic Durham Athletic Park
The Historic Durham Athletic Park is a former minor league baseball stadium that played a significant role in Durham’s history. The park was home to the Durham Bulls from 1926 to 1994 and was also used as a filming location for the movie “Bull Durham.” Today, the park is open for tours and hosts events throughout the year.
Take a tour of the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Building
The North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Building is a historic landmark in Durham and was once the headquarters of the largest African American-owned life insurance company in the country. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the company’s history and its impact on Durham’s African American community.
Attend the Durham Civil Rights History Tour
The Durham Civil Rights History Tour is a guided bus tour that takes visitors to several historic sites related to the civil rights movement in Durham. Stops include the former site of the Royal Ice Cream Parlor, where sit-ins took place in the 1960s, and the Durham County Courthouse, where many civil rights demonstrations were held.