Historic Oakwood, located near downtown Raleigh, is the single intact nineteenth century neighborhood in the city; and is Raleigh's oldest and largest local historic district. Hundreds of residences representing a broad spectrum of architectural styles can be found in the neighborhood. Many have been scrupulously restored and maintained to their original form.

History of the Oakwood Neighborhood

Following the Civil War, a tract east of the city was donated by the locally prominent Mordecai family as a cemetery for Confederate soldiers. Adjoining this land, a larger, private cemetery, named Oakwood was chartered in 1869. The remainder of these dense woods of Northeast Raleigh, known as “Mordecai Grove”, was sold off in residential lots to individuals and developers. The development that followed progressed slowly, with the majority of home construction occurring between 1890 and 1930. As a result, homes display a range of architectural styles. The homeowners were the middle-class business and political leaders of Raleigh, walking to work in the nearby downtown.

Following World War I, Oakwood residents migrated away to newer, fashionable neighborhoods in Raleigh's suburbs as the automobile came into general use. Boarding and apartment houses were made of the larger Oakwood residences. This time of depression preserved the structures from destructive modernization, but they did not escape deterioration. In 1970 and 1971, the restoration of several homes sparked a general neighborhood revitalization. A major thoroughfare was plotted through the heart of the neighborhood in 1972, which in turn brought residents together to form the Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood, a non-profit corporation.

The thoroughfare efforts were halted and Oakwood is now one of Raleigh's tourist attractions. In 1974, the City of Raleigh designated Oakwood in the National Register of Historic Places as its first “local historic district”.

Design of the Oakwood Neighborhood

Oakwood Historic District, located east of the Executive Mansion, is loosely bounded by Person Street to the west, Franklin Street to the north, Watauga and Linden streets to the east, and Edenton and Morson streets to the south.

Architecturally, the structures present both individual preferences throughout the years and modifications for this Southern climate. During the Civil War era, the Neo-Classical style, with its large columns topped with ornate capitals, was prevalent. The 1870's trended towards the Second Empire style, a pompous style, commonly featuring Mansard roofs. Queen Anne style, consisting of contrasting elevations, uses of texture and color, and free “romantic” forms reigned the 1880's. In 1893, architecture returned to the historic Greek and Roman styles in the Neo-Classical Revival style. The 20th century introduced the Bungalow to the region.

Narrow lots with short front yards, vast porches, and tree-lined sidewalks lend familiarity and uniformity to this diverse neighborhood. Attics for extra insulation are created by the steep pitch of roofs. To maintain air circulation on sultry summer days, latticework appears on rear service porches and under the houses. Low walls, some granite, line the property of many homes. Some residences retain the sky blue porch ceilings which, according to Southern folklore, shoos away the flies. Prior to the availability of electricity, the transoms and sidelights on many homes would light the hallways. As part of the historic district designation, all exterior changes undergo review by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission to ensure that the physical character of the neighborhood is maintained.

Oakwood Neighborhood Events

In addition to seeing to the upkeep of their homes, many residents are avid gardeners and have established exquisite gardens. The beauty and quiet of the area provide an ideal place for a stroll. Oakwood provides two annual events to tour homes and gardens not generally available to the public, the Garden Tour and the Candlelight Tour.
There are also several events enabling neighbors to meet and socialize.

Walking Tours
A walking tour is a pleasant way to learn about the history of the area and enjoy its beauty. Maps are available at the Raleigh Capital Area Visitor Services, located in the lobby of the North Carolina Museum of History at 5 East Edenton Street.

Annual Garden Tour
The Garden Tour is presented once a year to showcase some of the neighborhood's best gardens. A Victorian tea has been added to the event; both the Tour and the tea require advance reservations.

Candlelight Tour
The Candlelight Tour occurs each December and allows access to the interior of a number of selected homes.

Preview Tour
On the Thursday before the Candlelight Tour, a Preview Tour is available to the residents and their friends, as a way for them to view the Candlelight Tour privately. It has evolved into a much-anticipated, upscale revolving party at multiple homes and includes catered food and beverages.

Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery is open to visitors daily, from 8:00am to 5:00pm in the winter, and until 6:00pm the rest of the year. www.historicoakwood.com

Quarterly Gatherings
Once a quarter, the residents gather in one of the local parks for a picnic. Depending on the event, there may be music or other entertainment.

Athletic Club
The "Athletic Club" is a tongue-in-cheek description of a social gathering on the last Sunday evening of each month. A different homeowner hosts each month, and each guest brings a dish to share and their beverage of choice.

Neighborhood Communication
A newsletter, with a variety of articles and news, is distributed monthly. Direct interaction between neighbors on a number of topics is made feasible with an email listserve. Also, a community website with news, calendars, and topic forums, is provided for use by all Oakwood residents.

Photos of Historic Oakwood

Share your pictures of Oakwood: Email them to photos@downtownraleighnc.org