Joel Lane House
Raleigh, North Carolina
We’ve often mentioned how much we value exploring Raleigh’s History and mysteries. We’re so appreciative of the meaningful opportunity to explore the spot where much of Raleigh’s history began…
If you've been following us for a while, you've likely heard us speak of the Mordecai House as the oldest home in Raleigh on its original foundation. There’s a reason we make that distinction. The title for the oldest home in Raleigh, though not on its original foundation, is actually Wake County’s oldest home, too— the Joel Lane Museum House.
Joel Lane's "manor plantation" home was built in 1769 by enslaved laborers. Lane is considered to be “The Father of Raleigh” and as well as “The Father of Wake County.” The house was relocated to its present spot in 1911 by the Boylan family. The house was also the seat of Joel Lane's sprawling plantation which had more than 6,000 acres; at least forty-three men, women, and children are known to have been held here in slavery during the 18th century. Much of Raleigh as we know it today--including downtown--sits on land that was once associated with Lane's plantation. Lane and his house played a key role in the founding of Wake County, North Carolina's transition from colony to state, and in the establishment of Raleigh as the state capital. The house itself was the site of a number of significant historical meetings, including the first sessions of the Wake County Court in 1771, as well as both formal and informal Patriot meetings during the Revolutionary War. In 1792, it was here that the final decision was made to purchase a 1,000-acre parcel of Lane’s land for the state’s new capital city: Raleigh.
More than just their age connects the Joel Lane House with the Mordecai house: Joel Lane likely had the home now known as Mordecai house built as a wedding gift for his son, Henry Lane, and his new wife, Polly.
The Joel Lane Museum House is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, currently owned by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of North Carolina. Guided tours led by docents in 18th-century costume are offered in support of the museum's mission “to bring American history to life by providing a rich understanding of regional North Carolina history and the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements of those who lived in Piedmont North Carolina in the 18th century, with particular emphasis on the life and times of Colonel Joel Lane, his family, and enslaved workers."
If you've had an unusual experience at the Joel Lane museum house, we hope that you take a moment to complete our survey below. If you have not visited, we hope you will consider doing so soon and learn about Raleigh's early history.
We look forward to sharing much more of its history with you next year.
If you've been following us for a while, you've likely heard us speak of the Mordecai House as the oldest home in Raleigh on its original foundation. There’s a reason we make that distinction. The title for the oldest home in Raleigh, though not on its original foundation, is actually Wake County’s oldest home, too— the Joel Lane Museum House.
Joel Lane's "manor plantation" home was built in 1769 by enslaved laborers. Lane is considered to be “The Father of Raleigh” and as well as “The Father of Wake County.” The house was relocated to its present spot in 1911 by the Boylan family. The house was also the seat of Joel Lane's sprawling plantation which had more than 6,000 acres; at least forty-three men, women, and children are known to have been held here in slavery during the 18th century. Much of Raleigh as we know it today--including downtown--sits on land that was once associated with Lane's plantation. Lane and his house played a key role in the founding of Wake County, North Carolina's transition from colony to state, and in the establishment of Raleigh as the state capital. The house itself was the site of a number of significant historical meetings, including the first sessions of the Wake County Court in 1771, as well as both formal and informal Patriot meetings during the Revolutionary War. In 1792, it was here that the final decision was made to purchase a 1,000-acre parcel of Lane’s land for the state’s new capital city: Raleigh.
More than just their age connects the Joel Lane House with the Mordecai house: Joel Lane likely had the home now known as Mordecai house built as a wedding gift for his son, Henry Lane, and his new wife, Polly.
The Joel Lane Museum House is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, currently owned by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of North Carolina. Guided tours led by docents in 18th-century costume are offered in support of the museum's mission “to bring American history to life by providing a rich understanding of regional North Carolina history and the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements of those who lived in Piedmont North Carolina in the 18th century, with particular emphasis on the life and times of Colonel Joel Lane, his family, and enslaved workers."
If you've had an unusual experience at the Joel Lane museum house, we hope that you take a moment to complete our survey below. If you have not visited, we hope you will consider doing so soon and learn about Raleigh's early history.
We look forward to sharing much more of its history with you next year.
Investigations at this location:
- Saturday, February 11th, 2023
