9 Old-World Towns to Visit in North Carolina

One of the original 13 colonies, North Carolina is undoubtedly one of the most historic states in the country. Towns rich in Native American history, colonial homes, and maritime museums are just a few of the attractions that history lovers can expect to encounter. For those seeking a journey back in time, these nine old-world towns offer immersive experiences that capture life in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries!

Elizabeth City

Elizabeth City, once a regular stop for the Wright Brothers, is rich in aviation history. Visitors can explore the Elizabeth City Aviation Trail, which passes through downtown and by the river, tracing the very paths where the famous pioneers once walked, shopped, and gathered supplies for their planes. The Museum of the Albemarle is another great way for visitors to immerse themselves in Elizabeth City's history, where they can appreciate a 7,000-square-foot main gallery and rotating galleries that dive into northeastern North Carolina's past. The Pasquotank River is also filled with history itself, once an important point of transportation in the Underground Railroad. Visitors can check out the historical marker for the Underground Railroad in Waterfront Park!

Edenton

Lying along the Edenton Bay and Albermarle Sound Edenton was the first colonial capital of North Carolina, its history expressed today through 18th-century buildings and and landmarks. The best way to get around town is in one of Edenton’s vintage trolleys, which provides a guided tour for visitors throughout the Edenton Cotton Mill Village and Downtown Historic District. Visitors can explore the contributions of women to the region’s political scene at the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center, which also houses a museum dedicated to their achievements. The 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse is just one other historic landmark to drop by, surviving more than 100 years through war, hurricanes, neglect, and ice floes, today standing as a reminder of the region’s long-lasting history.

Hillsborough

Sitting on the banks of the Eno River and featuring three centuries of historical architecture homes, Hillsborough has plenty of scenery and history to appreciate. It has a number of churches throughout the town with architecture dating back as early as the 18th century, such as Dickerson’s Chapel, Hillsborough Presbyterian Church, and Hillsborough United Methodist Church. The Courthouse is worth a visit as well, featuring a beautiful, vintage clock tower on a greek revival-style building. Just outside of town, visitors can also tour the Moorfields House and Grounds, built in 1785 and once the home of Alfred Moore, a notable military leader and the founder of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

New Bern

New Bern is famously known as being both North Carolina’s first state capital and the birthplace of the beloved Pepsi-Cola. Since 1998, visitors have been able to visit the birthplace of Pepsi, now transformed into a gift shop and soda fountain. Completed in 1770, Tryon Palace, the first permanent capital of the state, is a beautiful destination. Today, it features a museum, stunning gardens, and the historic palace itself for visitors to explore. The town is also an excellent place to reflect on the United States Civil War, once occupied by the Union Army. New Bern Battlefield Park, New Bern National Cemetery, and the Attmore-Oliver House all share unique pieces of the town’s Civil War history.

Salisbury

Salisbury was designated the county seat in 1753 when the first public buildings were constructed on the land. Situated at the crossroads of a Native American trading route and the Great Wagon Road, the town's rich history as an economic hub is preserved in its buildings today. The Rowan Museum makes a good starting point, featuring four historic properties that will immerse visitors in the town’s legacy: The Setzer One-room schoolhouse, Roller Mill, Old Stone House, and 1857 Courthouse. Additionally, in October, the town offers an annual tour that allows visitors to step into private, historic homes and notable landmarks in town.

Cherokee

The town of Cherokee, in western North Carolina, immerses visitors into the history and experience of the Cherokee people. At the Museum of the Cherokee People, for example, visitors can explore the culture, heritage, and art of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. To travel back in time, visitors can also spend an afternoon at the Oconaluftee Indian Village, which showcases the life of the Cherokee people during the 1700s, through live shows, traditional dancing, and historic buildings. For a cultural souvenir, the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc. houses work from over 350 Cherokee artisans.

Manteo

Manteo is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina and is located on Roanoke Island, giving it a rich, coastal history to explore. The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is one of the town’s most prominent landmarks, replicating a previous historical lighthouse from the 19th century. Visitors can stroll down the lighthouse’s dock and appreciate views of the Roanoke Sound. For a bit of entertainment, travelers can also enjoy a movie at Pioneer Theatre, a one-room theater that has been open since 1918. The Roanoke Island Maritime Museum is another great way to get a sense of the town’s maritime history, exhibiting a number of historical watercraft.

Beaufort

Originally a fishing village dating back to the 1600s, Beaufort features a twelve-block area now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Beaufort Historic Site lies in the heart of this historic zone, preserving architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Leffers Cottage and Garden, dating back to 1778, the Carteret County Courthouse, from 1796, and the Old Jail, from 1829, are just a few of the historic buildings in this area that are worth an afternoon exploring. Visitors can also learn more about the town’s maritime legacy by visiting the North Carolina Maritime Museum in town, which exhibits artifacts from ships, shipwrecks, and coastal life.

Mount Airy

Mount Airy is full of unique and interactive ways to appreciate its history and legacy. Travelers can visit the Horne Creek Living Historical Farm, for example, which portrays life of the Piedmont families in the early 20th century. There is also an apple orchard and farm on the premises, which houses several endangered animal breeds. Those who enjoy the arts and music can also catch a live play, concert, or movie at Earle Theatre, which has a beautiful, historic interior and exterior. Craving an old-fashioned candy or glass bottled soda? Rockford General Store, open since 1890, is a great place to stop by and experience the old-timey southern charm of the town. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places!

Final Thoughts

From early pioneer farm life to fishing villages to Native American settlements, North Carolina has been home to all sorts of historic communities throughout the years. While some cities and towns have replaced their history with shopping malls and office buildings, these towns have made an active effort to not only preserve their history, but share it with the world through museums, historical societies, and continually functioning theaters. So, if you're craving a trip where the past feels just a little more alive, these towns have you covered!