Historic Homes & Sites

Old Orange County Courthouse

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

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 Theatre

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

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 theatre 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

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.

Ruffin-Roulhac House

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101 East Orange St (Downtown)
Hillsborough, NC 27278

phone (919) 732-1270

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

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.