Mordecai House

Mordecai House is the oldest remaining residence in Raleigh, distinguished by its two-story wooden structure and white columns in Greek Revival style. The symmetrical windows and clean design lines display the hallmarks of this architectural approach, all standing on the original foundation.

The house was built in 1785 as a private residence and underwent a transformation in 1824 into a more refined classical estate. This renovation reflected the changing tastes and growing prosperity of Raleigh society during that period.

The property shows how wealthy families lived and worked in early America, with preserved outbuildings like a smokehouse and kitchen that reveal daily life on the estate. These structures together tell the story of labor, work routines, and how different parts of the household operated.

The site can be visited during regular opening hours, with guided tours explaining the history and layout of the property. It is worthwhile to allow enough time to explore all the buildings and displays thoroughly, especially if you are interested in details of daily life.

The house preserves over 5,000 objects that document both the family's stories and the experiences of the fourteen enslaved people who worked on the plantation. This collection offers a rare glimpse into different perspectives of the same historical reality.