Historic Sites
Historic Bath
Nestled between two coastal creeks, Bath reflects its history as North Carolina's first incorporated town (1705). The village, which was once the home of the pirate Blackbeard, features several buildings of interest, including the earliest North Carolina church still in continuous use. Tour guides present two houses-the 1751 Palmer-Marsh House and the ca. 1830 Bonner House-which have been fully restored and furnished. Interpretive exhibits are located in the Van Der Veer House (ca. 1790). For information call: (252)923-3971
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Charlotte Hawkins Brown Memorial
Founded in 1902 by Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown, Palmer Memorial Institute transformed the lives of more than 1,000 African American students. Today, restored campus buildings provide the setting for a unique educational experience. The memorial links Dr. Brown and Palmer Institute to the larger themes of African American women, education, and social history, emphasizing the contributions made by African American citizens to education in North Carolina. For information call: (336)449-4846
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James K. Polk Memorial
This site is located on land once owned by the parents of James K. Polk, the 11th U.S. president. The memorial commemorates significant events in the Polk administration: the Mexican War, settlement of the Oregon boundary dispute, and the annexation of California. Reconstructions of typical homestead buildings-a log house, separate kitchen, and barn-are authentically furnished. The Visitor Center features a film on Polk's life and civic contributions. For information call: (704)889-7145
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Town Creek Indian Mound
Six hundred years ago a group of Native Americans settled on a spot overlooking Little River and constructed a ceremonial center. The Town Creek center served as a fortified refuge and a sacred ritual ground. The area once inhabited by people of the Pee Dee culture now contains an earthen mound with a major temple on top, an enclosed minor temple, and a mortuary hut, all surrounded by a palisade fence. These reconstructions were based on fifty years of intensive archaeological excavations that began in the 1930s. For information call: (910)439-6802
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Fort Dobbs
Named for royal governor Arthur Dobbs, the fort was built during the French and Indian War to protect settlers. Archaeologists and historians conjecture that the fort was dismantled after pioneers pushed further westward. Excavations show the moat, cellar, well, and magazine area of the fort. Exhibits relate civilian and military life of the era. A playground and nature trail make the site ideal for family outings. For information call: (704)873-5866
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Tourist Attractions
Biltmore Estate
America's largest private house, Biltmore Estates is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau nested among 8,000 acres in the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. Created by George Vanderbilt in 1895, this National Historic Landmark is among the country's most visited historic residences. It includes shops, 75 acres of gardens, walking trails and an award-winning winery. For information call: (800)VISIT-NC
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Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Lighthouse
This popular National Park preserves and protects 75 miles along North Carolina's Outer Banks and includes the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse as well as visitors centers at Buxton, Bodie Island and Ocracoke. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in North America. The lighthouse tower is open to the public on a seasonal basis. For information call: (800)VISIT-NC
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Wright Brothers National Memorial
Site of the first powered air flight by Wilbur and Orville Wright, the Wright Brothers National Memorial is located in Kill Devil Hills, on North Carolina's Outer Banks. The memorial boasts a museum, monuments, a reconstructed hangar and daily presentations on the Wright brothers' historic first flight. For information call: (800)VISIT-NC
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North Carolina Zoo
One of the world's largest and finest walk-through, national habitat zoos, the North Carolina Zoo features more than 62,000 plants and nearly 1,100 animals in its 300-acre Africa and 200-acre North Carolina's streams. Located in Asheboro, in the state's Heartland, the Zoo also has shops and ample picnic areas. For information call: (800)VISIT-NC
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Charlotte Motor Speedway
Located in Concord, North Carolina, the Charlotte Motor Speedway is considered the Mecca of motor sports. In addition to hosting two NASCAR Winston Cup races and two NASCAR Busch Series races each year, this venue also hosts NASCAR's all-star event, The Winston Select. The Winston Cup Gift Shop offers guided tours of the speedway (including a lap around the 1.5-mile oval). For information call: (800)VISIT-NC
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