Triangle Real Estate & Homes For Sale | North Carolina

Raleigh, one of the few cities in the US to be planed and built specifically as a capital city, was named in 1772 for Sir Walter Raleigh.  The city’s location was carefully chosen for it proximity to Isaac Hunter’s Tavern –a local watering hole popular among politicians.  Amazingly today visitors can literally walk down histories roads thanks to the preserved Historic Oakwood neighborhood. Houses from the 1800, still in wonderful condition, can be toured in a yearly event put on by the neighborhood association.

Here are just a few of Raleigh’s historical high points.

-In 1808 our nation’s 17^th president, Andrew Jackson, was born in here.

-Peace College, the cities first institution of higher learning was established in 1857 and continues the tradition to this day.

-Raleigh was captured by the Union Calvary on April 13, 1865. The city was spared colossal damage but due to a slow post war economy and even slower reconstruction efforts the city didn’t grow much during the next two decades.

-In 1865 classes began at Shaw University, the South’s first African American University. The university is still vibrant and viable to this day.

-Episcopal clergy founded St. Augustine’s College in 1867. The school continues in pursuit of it’s motto to this day; The Truth Will Set You Free.

-Raleigh’s primary news paper, The News and Observer, was formed through a merger in 1880. Prior to the merger The News and The Observer were rival media outfits.

-North Carolina State University was founded through a land grant in 1887. Today it is the largest university in North Carolina.

-Meredith College opened its door originally as “The Woman Baptist College” in 1891.

Thanks for taking the time to read through this brief history of Raleigh. There is so much to discover and love here. While you live here I hope you take some time to dig a bit deeper into Raleigh’s heritage. If you’d like someone to chat with about Raleigh’s roots please give me a call.