Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center

The Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center is a building from 1785 in Raleigh that serves as the starting point for guided tours and displays exhibits on local history. The facility provides access to outbuildings and holds an extensive collection of objects documenting life on what was once a plantation property.

The house was built in 1785 and stands as the oldest structure in Raleigh, erected on land that was part of one of Wake County's largest plantations at that time. Over the decades, the property became a record of the changes this region experienced during the city's early development.

The center offers insights into how people lived in the 19th century, including the perspectives of those who were enslaved on the property. Visitors learn about the daily routines and conditions across different social groups that existed here.

The visitor center is well-marked and interior spaces are easy to navigate, with information available at the front desk. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as tours include outdoor areas and other buildings on the grounds.

The property holds a considerable collection of about 5,000 historical objects that provide insight into the daily lives of different groups who lived here. A highlight is the garden, which was reconstructed based on handwritten notes by Ellen Mordecai from the 1830s.

Location: Raleigh

Address: 1101 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604, USA

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-23:00

Phone: +19199964364

Website: https://raleighnc.gov/places/mordecai-historic-park

GPS coordinates: 35.79337,-78.63250

Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:09