Quaker Meadows, Federal-style plantation house in Morganton, United States.
Quaker Meadows is a two-story brick building with four bays and two one-story shed porches, each supported by square pillars with scroll brackets typical of Federal design. The 9-acre property sits on plantation grounds where outbuildings and gardens complement the main house's architecture from the early 1800s.
Colonel Charles McDowell was associated with the property during the Revolutionary War era, and the current house was built around 1812 on the plantation grounds. The estate later hosted significant local events that connected it to the broader history of the region during the 19th century.
The name comes from Joseph McDowell Jr., whose family called him 'Quaker Meadows' to distinguish him from his cousin who owned another estate nearby. This family lineage remains part of the place's identity and draws visitors curious about regional family traditions.
The Historic Burke Foundation manages the property and offers guided tours and rental opportunities for visitors interested in Federal architecture. It's best to contact ahead to ask about visiting hours and any special events, since access times may vary by season.
A future Civil War governor, Zebulon Baird Vance, married at this property and created a connection between the family and the state's later political history. This wedding links the family's personal story to an important political figure of the era.
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