Peace College Main Building

Peace College Main Building stands at the northern end of Wilmington Street, displaying four Doric columns supporting a central portico with balconies overlooking downtown Raleigh. The structure follows Greek Revival architectural style and combines classical design elements with functional spaces for administration, teaching, and student housing.

The building was completed in 1859 and served as a Confederate military hospital during the Civil War. Later during Reconstruction it housed the Freedmen's Bureau Agency, supporting the region's restructuring after the conflict ended.

The building represents a significant moment in women's education, emerging from a Presbyterian effort started in 1847 to create higher learning opportunities for female students across North Carolina.

The building is easily accessible from the northern end of Wilmington Street and serves as a recognizable landmark in downtown Raleigh. Visitors should allow time to observe the classical architectural details from outside, as interior access may be limited for general public traffic.

William Peace, a founder of the University of North Carolina, contributed both the land and significant financial resources to establish this educational institution. His involvement helped create a place that would later matter for generations of female students.