Historic Homes & Sites

Occaneechi Indian Village

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Foot of Cameron St (on the Eno River),
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Directions

phone (919) 304-3723.

Open daily during daylight hours.

The Occaneechi Village, near present-day Hillsborough, sits along the banks of the Eno River. It was one of the last palisaded (walled) American Indian villages visited by European explorers in the latter part of the 1600s. The current site displays an information kiosk, a portion of the log palisade wall (stockade fence) and two historically accurate dwellings that were used by the Occaneechi ancestors. In partnership with Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough, the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation rebuilt this portion of the Village as an educational display.

Old Orange County Courthouse

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North Churton and East King Sts (Downtown)
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Directions

toll-free (877) 732-7748; phone (919) 732-7741

Open Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm; closed major holidays.

This outstanding example of Greek Revival architecture was designed and built by John Berry in 1844-1845 and features details of woodwork and stair brackets from Asher-Benjamin’s pattern book. The Courthouse is still in operation for county judicial business.

Old Playmakers Theater

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East Cameron Ave (next to South Building)
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3230

Directions

phone (919) 962-1132

Built in 1851 as Smith Hall, this Greek-revival structure, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974. It was designed by renowned 19th century architect Alexander Jackson Davis. During the Civil War, the Union Army briefly stabled horses here. Originally built as a library and ballroom, it served briefly for classes and was converted to a theater in 1924, the first state university building dedicated to American folk dramatic art.

Old Well (The)

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East Cameron Ave (facing South Building)
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3475

Directions

phone (919) 962-1630

Open daily, dawn to dusk.

In 1897, UNC President Edwin A. Alderman initiated the redesign of the original ramshackle shelter, which had been the primary source of campus water for more than a century. When it was finished, the new Greek Revival structure was so beautiful that it quickly became the unofficial symbol of the University. In 1954, it was given added beauty with brick walks, plantings and benches. Students traditionally earn good luck when they drink from The Old Well on the first day of classes.

Orange County Visitors Center

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150 East King Street (Downtown)
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Directions

toll-free (877)-732-7748; phone (919) 732-7741

Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; Sun, 1-4pm. Closed major holidays.

Located in the historic Alexander Dickson House (see separate listing), the visitors center provides information and assistance to travelers and those planning to visit the Hillsborough area, and conducts guided and self-guided tours of the historic downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. An adjacent garden displays traditional 18th and 19th centry plants used for cooking, medicine and dyeing cloth. The site includes an office used by Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston during the Civil War. Tours are available on the second Saturday of the month at 10am and 2pm, cost is $5. Closed major holidays. Free parking on street.

Ruffin-Roulhac House

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101 East Orange St (Town Hall)
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Directions

phone (919) 732-1270

Open Mon.-Fri., 8:30am-5pm. Closed major holidays.

Built in 1821, the house was enlarged with the east rooms and a central two-story hall n 1830. In the 1860s, it was purchased by North Carolina Chief Justice Thomas Ruffin, who died in the house in 1870. Ownership remained in the family (his daughter married a Rouhlac), and the kitchen, pantry and conservatory were added in 1908. In the 1920s, the house was shuttered and nailed tight until 1974 when the town completely restored it and notable outbuildings. Parking.