Mordecai House, Raleigh
Built in 1785 by Joel Lane for his son Henry, the Mordecai House, also known as Mordecai Plantation or Mordecai Mansion, is the oldest residence in Raleigh on its original foundation. Initially the heart of a vast 5,000-acre plantation, it was instrumental in the development of Raleigh, with 1,000 acres sold off to establish the city. Named after Moses Mordecai, who expanded it into a Greek Revival mansion in 1826 under architect William Nichols, the house was a significant local and family hub.
The Mordecai family, of Ashkenazic Jewish descent, were among the first three hundred Jewish families in the United States. They played prominent roles in local and state affairs. The house was continuously owned by family descendants until 1967, featuring prominently in Raleigh's social and political development.
Following a push by local preservationists in 1967, the City of Raleigh acquired and preserved the Mordecai House as a central piece of the Mordecai Historic Park. Today, the park also includes the birthplace of President Andrew Johnson, several historical buildings, and Saint Mark's Chapel, popular for weddings.
Famed for its ghostly appearances, Mordecai House is reputed as Raleigh's most haunted site, featuring paranormal investigations and TV shows like Ghost Hunters. Current investigations are led by The Ghost Guild Incorporated, which conducts regular research and presents findings at an annual festival.
Visitors to Mordecai Historic Park can explore the beautifully preserved mansion, surrounded by significant historical structures and the Ellen Mordecai Garden. Reports of paranormal sightings, including visions of a woman in period attire and mysterious piano music, add a thrilling dimension to tours, especially appealing to those fascinated by the supernatural.
Mordecai House remains a cornerstone of Raleigh's historical narrative, offering a rich tapestry of early American history, architectural evolution, and captivating ghost stories, ensuring its place as a must-visit landmark in North Carolina.
The Mordecai family, of Ashkenazic Jewish descent, were among the first three hundred Jewish families in the United States. They played prominent roles in local and state affairs. The house was continuously owned by family descendants until 1967, featuring prominently in Raleigh's social and political development.
Following a push by local preservationists in 1967, the City of Raleigh acquired and preserved the Mordecai House as a central piece of the Mordecai Historic Park. Today, the park also includes the birthplace of President Andrew Johnson, several historical buildings, and Saint Mark's Chapel, popular for weddings.
Famed for its ghostly appearances, Mordecai House is reputed as Raleigh's most haunted site, featuring paranormal investigations and TV shows like Ghost Hunters. Current investigations are led by The Ghost Guild Incorporated, which conducts regular research and presents findings at an annual festival.
Visitors to Mordecai Historic Park can explore the beautifully preserved mansion, surrounded by significant historical structures and the Ellen Mordecai Garden. Reports of paranormal sightings, including visions of a woman in period attire and mysterious piano music, add a thrilling dimension to tours, especially appealing to those fascinated by the supernatural.
Mordecai House remains a cornerstone of Raleigh's historical narrative, offering a rich tapestry of early American history, architectural evolution, and captivating ghost stories, ensuring its place as a must-visit landmark in North Carolina.
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Mordecai House on Map
Sight Name: Mordecai House
Sight Location: Raleigh, USA (See walking tours in Raleigh)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Raleigh, USA (See walking tours in Raleigh)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Raleigh, North Carolina
Create Your Own Walk in Raleigh
Creating your own self-guided walk in Raleigh is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Raleigh Introduction Walking Tour
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is often called the "City of Oaks" because there are many oak trees there. The city's origins go back to the late 1700s and are connected to the famous English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh from the 16th century. He tried to establish the first English colony in the Americas, known as the Roanoke Colony, which is now in North Carolina.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Historic Buildings Walking Tour
As you traverse the streets of North Carolina's capital Raleigh, you cannot help noticing a wealth of historic buildings, each illustrating a chapter in the city's annals.
Among these revered structures, the Joel Lane House emerges as a cherished relic of the distant past; its venerable walls echo with the whispers of bygone eras. The Dodd-Hinsdale House, a stately emblem of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Among these revered structures, the Joel Lane House emerges as a cherished relic of the distant past; its venerable walls echo with the whispers of bygone eras. The Dodd-Hinsdale House, a stately emblem of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles