When walking through the bustling streets of downtown Raleigh, the last sight one might expect would be the grand Antebellum estate that stands there. From its charming yellow color to the wide windows that decorate its exterior, the Mordecai House (pronounced Mor-duh-key) invites its visitors to admire its captivating acreage and dive into its rich history. According to the National Park Service, (or the NPS) the house remains open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 to 4:00, with guided tours available to give visitors the full experience.
Built in 1785, the Mordecai House earned its title as the oldest house in Raleigh in its original location. The family that owned the house could be described as unconventional, being both Jewish and supportive of female education. Henry Lane originally received the house as a wedding gift, eventually passing it down to his son-in-law, the Jewish lawyer Moses Mordecai, for whom the house had been named. He changed the pronunciation of the name due to a disagreement with his father, which resulted in the confusion the word causes now. The building ended up being remodeled and made larger, and now faces a new direction. Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the house would be that it stayed in the original family until 1967, rather than being sold during the Reconstruction period after the Civil War. Rather, the house played a huge role in developing the city of Raleigh by contributing land to its name, and, according to the NPS, has been a testament to public commitment to historic preservation.
The grounds surrounding the Mordecai House may prove to be just as interesting, if not more so, than the history of the house. Small buildings lead from the visitors center to the house, creating a quaint village that stands as a historical replica. The collection includes a church and a post office, along with the building where Moses Mordecai practiced law and participated in government functions. Gardens and a spring accompany the estate as well. Grand bedrooms, a library and office with hundreds of antique books, an elaborate dining room, and an ornate parlor appear inside the house. Genuine possessions of the family decorate the house, as do portraits of many of its members.
For some added enrichment to the Mordecai experience, visitors should remember to stop by the Lane House, which resides just down the street. The Lane House belonged to Joe Lane, who originally gifted the Mordecai House to his son Henry Lane. The Lane House completes the pre-Civil War timeline that many history-taking high school students could find uniquely useful. For more information about these compelling experiences, check out Raleigh's website. Don’t miss out on the exciting opportunity to visit either of these local gems.
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