Historic Sites
Honoring John Jasper White: Currituck County Celebrates a Revolutionary War Hero Currituck County’s African American history is filled with stories of resilience, courage, and determination, and few are more remarkable than that of John Jasper White, affectionately remembered as Currituck Jack. Once an enslaved mariner on the waters of Currituck Sound, White’s extraordinary bravery […]
Currituck Jack Statue – John Jasper White Read More »
The Dunston family has played a significant role in the history of Currituck County, North Carolina, particularly within the African American community. Their legacy encompasses landownership, education, and community leadership, reflecting a broader narrative of resilience and achievement. An interpretive sign documenting significant events of family can be viewed at Currituck Community Park. One of
Dunston Family Historical Interpretive Sign Read More »
The Currituck Union School in Currituck County, North Carolina, holds significant historical importance as the first county-provided school for African American students, serving grades 1 through 12. Established in 1950, it marked a pivotal shift from the era of small, segregated schools to a consolidated educational facility for Black students in the region. Prior to
Currituck Union Highway Marker Read More »
EJ Hayes Alumni Center 705 Washington Street Williamston, NC 27892 The history of the E.J. Hayes School building can be traced to the year 1924. It was in that year when Mr. Edgar J. Hayes was hired as the principal of the Williamston Colored School and given the task of starting a high school department.
EJ Hayes Alumni Center Read More »
Williamston was a hotspot of the Civil Rights Movement and Green Memorial Church was the epicenter. Protesters made it their goal to desegregate schools and the public library. Organizing the efforts were a local woman, Sarah Small, and Golden Frinks of Edenton, a friend of Martin Luther King Jr. Remarkably, the non-violent protests continued for
The Roanoke River became one of several regional river escape routes for the complex network in our country known as the Underground Railroad. Discover markers at the Rosenwald School in Hamilton, at Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge office in Windsor, and at the Charles Kuralt Trail parking lot off Hwy 17 north near Williamston.
Roanoke River Underground Railroad Trail Signs Read More »
Check out signage on the historic grounds at the circa 1920 Hamilton Rosenwald School (formerly known as the Hamilton Colored School) and down at the Hamilton Boat Ramp. Eventually, the renovated school will serve as a river/visitor-community center and an interpretive site to celebrate both the region’s Rosenwald School and its Underground Railroad history
Historic Rosenwald School and River Center Read More »
Still on its original site, the Reid’s Grove School educated African American students. Completed on November 5, 1927 and closed in December 1951, it was one of seven schools in Gates County (and one of over 800 in North Carolina) financed by Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, in collaboration with Booker T. Washington, African-American Educator, to educate black students
Reid’s Grove Rosenwald School Read More »
This historic site offers a realistic view of 19th-century life on a large-scale North Carolina plantation. In 1785, Somerset Place became an active plantation and remained active until 1865. Most programs and exhibits at the site evoke life there in 1843. By 1860, Somerset Place was one of only four North Carolina plantations with over
Somerset Place State Historic Site Read More »
The cemetery of Richard Etheridge and his family resides on the grounds of the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Just outside the entry gates, this historic location is open to all visitors and does not require aquarium admission to visit. The fenced gravesite features the headstones of Etheridge and his family, along with a
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island | Richard Etheridge Family Cemetery Read More »