Courtesy North Carolina State Archives
This post over at New Raleigh got me wondering again about the long-lost Raleigh landmark, Isaac Hunter’s Tavern. In its day the tavern was known far and wide. It drew our early state representatives together long enough for them to decide to create a new state capital, and thus decreed that this capital would be located within ten miles of the tavern. Yet, in spite of its historical significance to our city and state, no trace of the tavern still exists. Sad, isn’t it?
The only clue to its location is an easily-overlooked state historical marker outside of what’s now Duke Raleigh Hospital on Wake Forest Road just north of the Beltline.
“Isaac Hunter’s Tavern: Stood nearby. State Capital located within 10 miles by order N.C. Convention, 1788,” the marker reads.
One can find 40-year-old pictures of the tavern on Flickr courtesy of the North Carolina State Archives, but the pictures themselves don’t give enough detail on the tavern or its location. According to the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources site, the tavern was demolished to make way for a hotel, now known as the North Raleigh Hilton. Until today I assumed the tavern was once on the hospital property.
The tavern’s demise took place in the early 1970s, a time I’m discovering was very, very bad for Raleigh’s history. There appears to have been little regard for any of the city’s history during that time period. I’m amazed that folks did not think to rescue this tavern from the neglect that befell it. All that’s left is a lousy historical marker.
I wrote the fine folks at the North Carolina Geological Survey when I researched the Raleigh Speedway and they were able to send me aerial photography of the old raceway site. I’d love to get a photo of the tavern as it once stood, if its available. I tried to track down the real estate maps today but can’t find them on the Wake County website after they upgraded their GIS page. Hopefully I can turn up something.
Update: I found a photo of the area, but did I find the tavern?
I administer the State Highway Historical Marker Program. My understanding is that the tavern stood on the site of the North Raleigh Hilton directly across from the marker. It stood until mid-20th century and its loss, along with the Baptist Female Institute, inspired the local perservation movement. Aerial photos could be consulted to confirm this.
On another point, I see your mention of the Raleigh Speedway. The Fairgrounds Speedway will be the topic of a new marker to be dedicated new Wed., Oct. 20, at 11 outside Dorton Arena. Gov. Perdue will be among the speakers.
Hi Michael. Thanks for stopping by! I looked at some aerial photos of the area from 1965 and did not see any likely candidates for the tavern at the spot where the Hilton now stands:
http://www.markturner.net/2010/10/12/hunting-isaac-hunters-tavern/
Any other clues?
I’m glad that something good came of its loss, as the historical preservation movement is a welcome change.