Historic Oakwood In Raleigh

Do you want to know more about Historic Oakwood in Raleigh, NC? Here is a neighborhood spotlight on Raleigh's only intact nineteenth-century neighborhood, Historic Oakwood.

Raleigh, NC, is home to the state capitol and tells the story of one of America's fastest-growing cities in the South. Today, Raleigh has become a popular destination for people from all over to call home, with many sought-after neighborhoods and golf course communities, making it a melting pot for all walks of life and all professional industries. 

Raleigh has eight historic districts, and Historic Oakwood was the first established landmark district to be recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Historic Oakwood is also a top walkable community in Raleigh that offers many health and social benefits. 

If you're thinking of living in Raleigh or you are hoping to learn more about its history, this Historic District in the heart of downtown Raleigh would be a great place to start. Here is all you need to know about Historic Oakwood.

1. History

Historic Oakwood is North Carolina's largest intact nineteenth-century residential neighborhood with historic homes. Designated in the National Register of Historic Places and Raleigh's first local historic district, it has an abundant, rich history that tells a story for all who come to live and explore. 

Oakwood started as a middle-class suburb and developed slower than some upper-middle-class neighborhoods. Most of the homes at that time were built between 1890 and 1930.

Initially built in wooded Northeast Raleigh, "Mordecai Grove," as it's lovingly referred to, sold off land parcels after the Civil War.

As modern advances, such as automobiles, made way, the second generation of Oakwood residents began to move to the outskirts of Raleigh in up-and-coming neighborhoods. This resulted in many of the original homes in Oakwood being converted into boarding houses and apartments, leading to deterioration and neglect.

By the 1970s, the area had experienced great interest in revitalization and renewal. By 1972, it was announced that The Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood was formed and underway. 

Since then, homes in this area have been carefully preserved and renewed as much as possible, which, in large part, is what makes this slice of Raleigh so incredibly unique. Tree-lined streets offer so much character and are rich in history, right in the heart of downtown Raleigh.

2. Architecture

The architecture of Historic Oakwood brings so much culture to the city of Raleigh. Visitors and residents would agree that the rich historical architecture is one of the reasons this has become a highly coveted neighborhood in the City of Oaks. Most of these neighborhoods' homes resemble examples from the late 19th century and early 20th century in America.

Reflecting America in the South, you will find a variety of types of homes built within this timeframe. Homes most commonly found in Historic Oakwood are Queen Anne, Craftsman, Neo-Classical Revival, Mid-Victorian Vernacular, Mid-Victorian High Styles, and Bungalow Style homes.

You will find that not all homes built in this neighborhood have remained the same. However, the Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood was founded on the idea that starting in the early 1970s, they would revitalize each of these historical homes and preserve them so the neighborhood would remain reflective of the history built on these soils.

So, as you're exploring Historic Oakwood, you will notice that each home has an individual style that represents the period in which it was built. Each home is entirely independent in style and taste while remaining true to the period in which it was built.

3. The Mordecai Historic Park

The Mordecai House is Raleigh's oldest home, still in its original location. Situated on 3.2 acres of property, The Mordecai House is home to The Mordecai Historic Park.

Tickets to tour The Mordecai House are available at the visitor's center. Tours begin at the top of each hour, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. 

Pricing and Visitors:

• Adults: $7
• Seniors: $4
• Youth: $4
• Children under 6 are free

Each tour is about 50 minutes long and is offered Tuesdays- Sundays, depending on availability. Tours are not provided when schools are on-site, so please be sure to call for more information at 919-996-4364

4. Andrew Johnson Birthplace

The 17th President of the United States was born right here in Raleigh. The structure, which now stands in The Mordecai Historic Park, was initially located near E. Morgan Street and Fayetteville Street. It was relocated four times, and its final destination was Historic Oakwood in 1975.

Whether Andrew Jackson was born in this house has become a legendary dispute. However, this building was originally a detached kitchen for Peter Casso's Inn and home to four members of the Johnson family. 

If you want to try the guided tour at Mordecai Historic Park, you will be guided through President Andrew Jackson's house. Visitors from all over will see that the starting point of our 17th President's life encompassed a childhood faced with poverty and hardship.

5. Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour

The holiday season in Historic Oakwood is even more majestic than you could imagine. During the holiday season, Oakwood becomes a place where residents and visitors marvel at the charm and architecture that lines the streets of downtown Raleigh. 

Ten homes will invite onlookers inside as they have been maintained and decorated for the Christmas season. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about the architecture and preservation of the Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman-style homes in Oakwood.

Tickets must be purchased to view and tour these homes. For the 2023 Season, tickets purchased in advance cost $30, while on-site tickets cost $35 per person on designated tour dates. Tickets purchased are for one day only, and you must select a Saturday or Sunday only to participate in the Tour.

6. Oakwood Park

Oakwood Park encompasses 12.7 acres of lush greenery and something for everyone in your group.

On-site, you will find a popular dog park for your furry friends, which is fenced-in and opened in 2006. Dogs are allowed to roam free off-leash in designated areas. There are two separate fenced areas, one for large dogs and the other for smaller dogs. It is open from sunrise to sunset and is accessible to the public year-round. 

Additionally, picnic shelters are next to the dog park, which can be rented for $15 per hour for private events, making this a great place to have a picnic in Raleigh. The rental fee includes the use of a grill and seven picnic tables.

Oakwood Park also has athletic fields and two softball fields available for rental. You can request this through their website or contact Athletics at 919-996-2154. 

7. Neighborhood Eats

The Optimist:  This is the original location of this small local chain, located at 1000 Brookside Drive. It is open daily for breakfast and lunch. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The breakfast menu is served from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily, and there is an all-day menu until 5 p.m.

Branded "Your neighborhood coffeehouse and local haunt," The Optimist breathes fresh life as its vibrant color, decor, and lush plants envelop the space. Bold colors, plants, and skeletons could be scattered throughout this intimate space. The Optimist has become a trendy remote working space for locals as its environment is comfortable yet peaceful, with great food and drinks.

This is not just a coffee shop; The Optimist has become a local retreat and neighborhood staple for visitors and residents of Raleigh to enjoy every day of the week.

Oakwood Pizza Box: Some may say this is the best pizza in the triangle and one of the best restaurants in Raleigh. The local pizza hangout has become another fan favorite in Historic Oakwood. Its hours of operation are Wednesday and Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm and Friday and Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm for lunch and dinner from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Pizza with a thin and crispy crust, fresh tomato sauce, and a great selection of ice-cold beers and wines can all be found here.  Although the menu is short and sweet, rest assured that dietary restrictions can be met with their square gluten-free pizzas and the option of a House or Caesar salad. Are you looking for a sweet treat after dinner? Be sure to try their cannolis with their homemade ricotta filling.

Crawford & Son: Crawford & Son is a casual neighborhood restaurant with honest food and a comprehensive bar menu. It's a great spot to meet friends for a night out! Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm, the menu is eclectic yet straightforward. 

Chef Scott Crawford has blended classic elements with a modern flair with his purposeful approach to his menu. This would be a great spot to go if you want to grab some appetizers and a few drinks! If you're hungry, you will find a compact menu of four choices, including a vegetarian and pescatarian option. 

8. Trick or Treat

Historic Oakwood draws in a crowd at any time of year, but Halloween is particularly popular for people to come and marvel at what some homes have done to decorate for this spooky holiday. 

One home, in particular, is noted for its lawn filled with over 40 life-sized skeletons and zombies, fit to scare kids and adults alike. This home is located at 504 Oakwood Avenue. Annual visitors like to watch on as the decorations are underway, and as the Halloween holiday approaches, the crowds grow.

Many other homes in Oakwood are also decorated in festive Halloween decor, making this a hot spot on the evening of October 31st. If Halloween is one of your favorite holidays to celebrate, you will want to check out Historic Oakwood this Halloween season and enjoy all the hard work these homeowners are so proud to show off.

9. Historic Oakwood Cemetary

Going hand in hand with Halloween comes Historic Oakwood's Cemetary. Over 150 years ago, this final resting place was seen in the "Suburbs" of Raleigh, where people could lay their loved ones to rest in a peaceful and serene environment.

Today, Oakwood Cemetary encompasses 72 acres, providing a permanent resting place for the departed. If you're interested in local history, it is an excellent backdrop for book clubs, photography, and church groups. 

Among this gorgeous park-like setting and beautiful monuments, Oakwood Cemetary is the final resting place of seven governors, five United States Senators, Eight Supreme Court Cheif Justices of North Carolina, Four Civil War Generals, Two Secretaries of the United States Navy in addition to the thousands of others who have been laid to rest on this Raleigh, NC slice of history.

Methodology

We used data and information from raleighnc.gov, Raleigh Historic Development Commission, Historic Oakwood, and Historic Oakwood Cemetary to determine the best things you need to know about Historic Oakwood in Raleigh.

FAQS

What is Raleigh's historic part?

Raleigh has eight historic districts: Blount Street, Boylan Heights, Capitol Square, Moore Square, Historic Oakwood, Prince Hall, Glenwood-Brooklyn, and Oberlin Village.

Why is Raleigh named after Sir Walter?

Raleigh was founded in 1792 as North Carolina's capital city. The name was chosen because Sir Walter Raleigh attempted to establish the first English colony in the 1580s.

What is Raleigh, NC's history?

Raleigh was initially chosen to become the Capitol City and was sought out due to its central location in the state. Raleigh is one of the few US cities planned and built to serve as the state capital.

What is the most famous street in Raleigh?

Fayetteville Street is the most central and historical street, which runs through downtown Raleigh and is about half a mile long. It dates back to the city's first plans in 1792.

Final Thoughts- Neighborhood Spotlight: Historic Oakwood

Whether you live in the Raleigh area or are visiting from out of town, be sure to check out the charming cultural hub that happens to be the first historic district in Raleigh, our state capital. Throughout the holidays, you will find unique opportunities to visit and learn more about the diverse historical architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle.

If you're considering buying or selling your home or want to check out houses in historic Oakwood, contact our agents at Raleigh Realty. We are here to help you with your home-buying or selling goals.