Stagville

Stagville is a 71-acre former plantation with original structures including the Bennehan House from 1787 and several two-story residences at Horton Grove built in 1850. The property displays a mix of mansion, outbuildings, and slave quarters spread across different periods.

From 1776 to 1865, the Bennehan-Cameron families controlled roughly 30,000 acres with hundreds of enslaved people on the land. The plantation shaped the region through its economic power until slavery ended with the Civil War.

Archaeological finds like pipes, buttons, and shells show how enslaved people lived day to day on the property. These everyday objects help visitors understand individual stories that official records often left out.

The site is accessible to visitors and offers guided tours as well as self-guided audio experiences of the preserved buildings. Wear sturdy shoes since the grounds are expansive and pathways cross through open areas.

Horton Grove holds the only surviving two-story slave residences in North Carolina, offering direct evidence of building style and living conditions. These homes are rare because most similar structures from that era did not survive.

Location: North Carolina

GPS coordinates: 36.11693,-78.83778

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:57