Mordecai Historic Park

A Journey Through Time

Established in 1785, this charming park revolves around the Mordecai House, Raleigh's oldest residence still standing on its original foundation. The house has quite the backstory - originally built by Joel Lane for his son Henry and daughter-in-law Polly, before eventually becoming Moses Mordecai's property through marriage.

What You'll Find Here

Spread across 3.9 acres, the park houses several historic buildings besides the main house. Perhaps most surprising is the birthplace of Andrew Johnson, our 17th President, which was actually relocated here as part of preservation efforts.

You'll also discover the Ellen Mordecai Garden, the Badger-Iredell Law Office, Allen Kitchen, and St. Mark's Chapel - the latter built by enslaved people and still occasionally hosts weddings and baptisms today.

Step Back in Time

Take a guided tour of the Mordecai House and you'll get to explore its history while admiring original furnishings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The preserved books still sitting on bookshelves and period clothing offer a window into daily life from another era.

The park brings history to life through educational programs and living history demonstrations that show what life in Raleigh was like during the plantation era. Sometimes this includes cooking demonstrations over open fires - and yes, you might get to sample some historical recipes!

If you're here on a Saturday between March and December, consider taking one of the trolley tours of Raleigh. This hour-long ride through downtown provides fascinating narration about the city's history since its founding, letting you see the sights without navigating traffic yourself.

A Peaceful Retreat

The grounds themselves are a delight to wander, with mature trees, thoughtfully maintained gardens, and open spaces ideal for a leisurely stroll. Behind the kitchen building, you can find a colonial garden featuring plants and flowers authentic to the period - the artichokes are particularly impressive.

It's a wonderfully tranquil setting for a peaceful walk or picnic, with benches and tables scattered throughout. Good news if you have mobility concerns - the outdoor areas are generally accessible.

Learning Through Experience

The park functions as an educational resource that preserves the history of Raleigh and North Carolina, allowing visitors to experience the architectural and cultural heritage of the region firsthand.

What's especially valuable is the well-rounded historical interpretation you can find here. Beyond the Mordecai family story, you can learn about the experiences of enslaved individuals who worked for the family, including access to transcripts of interviews with formerly enslaved workers collected in the early 1900s.

Planning Your Visit

You can purchase tour tickets on-site at the visitor center, which sits across the street from the main park grounds. Tours typically run hourly on weekends from morning to mid-afternoon and cost around $10 per person, with senior discounts available. If you prefer exploring at your own pace, grab a brochure from the visitor center for a self-guided experience.