Like Oakwood, Raleigh’s oldest surviving neighborhood, and Brooklyn, off Glenwood Avenue, the neighborhood of Mordecai is on the outskirts of the downtown area. Situated on the northeast corner of town, Mordecai was once part of the initial suburban sprawl of Raleigh, and was actually located outside of the city limits.

History of Mordecai

The area dates back to the year 1785, when noted Revolutionary War patriot and Wake County senator Joel Lane built a house for his son Henry. In 1792, following an evening hosting dinner for the committee appointed to select a site to found the capital city, Lane sold 1,000 acres of land to the state for this purpose for 1,378 pounds.

Henry Lane’s daughter, Margaret, continued to live in his house with husband Moses Mordecai, a Raleigh lawyer and judge, and their three children. Following Margaret's death, Moses married Henry Lane’s other daughter, Ann Lane and they had one child together. Mordecai was deceased in 1824 and requested in his will that the house be expanded, which was done in 1826. The front portion and current entrance, fashioned in Greek Revival architectural style, was added at that time. The home was part of a plantation that produced multiple crops, from food to medicinal plants. An extensive herb selection was grown in the plantation garden.

In 1892, a large cotton mill, Pilot Mills, was established. Workers resided in the adjoining mill-owned community of 68 homes, known as Mill Hill. The mill ceased to operate in 1982, and the Mill Hill neighborhood was demolished shortly thereafter. During its operation, Mill Hill was not considered part of Mordecai, but, over time, the neighborhood lines have become obscure, and the area is now embraced by the Mordecai neighborhood.

The year 1907 brought about a vote by the General Assembly to extend the city's borders, bringing the plantation into the city limits. Mordecai Place development stirred heated debate over suburban expansion, but nevertheless was mapped out in 1922. The original Mordecai plantation was enhanced by the relocation of two historical buildings, the tavern birthplace of future president Andrew Johnson, and St. Mark’s Chapel.

Future president Andrew Johnson was born 1808, in a small tavern kitchen in downtown Raleigh that was his mother’s place of employment. The structure was saved in 1906 by the Colonial Dames of America and moved several times before finding permanent settlement in Mordecai Park.

The Episcopalian St. Mark’s Chapel, built by slave carpenters in 1847 on the Chatham County plantation of John Haughton, was moved to Siler City in 1953 for use by another congregation. Mordecai Historic Park received the chapel in 1979 and is in use today for weddings, meetings, seminars, and lectures.

Mordecai Place Historic District was long overdue for listing on the National Register of Historic Places when it was finally included on February 4, 1998. The Historic District is somewhat bounded by North Blount Street, Courtland Drive, Old Wake Forest Road, and Mordecai Drive. Mordecai House remains as the oldest home in Raleigh still standing on its original foundation

With downtown residential and business revitalization, the early 21st century has ushered in an urban revival to the Mordecai neighborhood. The 2001 groundbreaking of The Village at Pilot Mill, a neighborhood built along the same layout as the original mill village, included approximately 100 homes with closely spaced lots and alleyways, for urban effect. The actual mill itself has been renovated and leased to several tenants including Raleigh Charter High School.

Mordecai Events

Historic Raleigh Trolley Tour
See Raleigh's 200 Year History from an old point of view on the Raleigh Trolley...
From the first mule-drawn streetcar in 1886 to the first electric trolley cars in 1933, the trolley was part of the Raleigh street scene. Bloomsbury Park was opened in 1912 at the end of the trolley line, near old Lassiter Mill, to attract riders. After an absence of five decades, the trolley returned to the downtown streets in 1989. The narrative Historic Raleigh Trolley Tour, lasting one hour with stops throughout downtown, operates every Saturday March through December from 11am- 3pm. The Trolley departs from Mordecai Historic Park on the hour, but can be boarded at any stop. For more information, contact Mordecai Historic Park at 919.857.4364.

Mordecai Historic Park, 1 Mimosa Street
Visit an antebellum plantation house and stroll along a "village street" of historic structures, including the birthplace of Andrew Johnson, 17th president of the United States. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am-4 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm-4pm. Docent led tours of Mordecai Historic Park operate on the hour beginning at 10 AM Monday through Saturday, with the last tour at 3 PM. Groups by reservation. Call 919.857.4364 for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities
Mordecai needs you! A variety of meaningful volunteer opportunities are available for individuals and/or groups on a one time or continuing basis. There are many opportunities to help from gardening, house docents, special events, and other activities. To volunteer at Mordecai Historic Park, fill out the Volunteer Form and return to the park office or feel free to contact us at 919.857.4364 for more information.

Rental Facilities
St. Mark’s Chapel and grounds are available for individual and group rentals. Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Mordecai Historic Park's charming St. Mark's Chapel provides a warm, intimate setting for any small wedding or gathering. Additionally, the Ellen Mordecai Garden and grounds make a unique and memorable backdrop for your special day. For more information on park rentals, please call the park office at 919.857.4364.

April Afternoon Tea
Ever wondered what the difference is beween High Tea and Afternoon Tea? Then make your reservations to enjoy a dessert tea under the oaks at Mordecai and learn all about the history and etiquette of tea. Reservations only, by calling 919.857.4364.

May Flowers
Come see the Ellen Mordecai Garden in full bloom and learn about the various uses of plants and herbs in an 1830 kitchen garden. The contents of the Ellen Mordecai Garden are based on descriptions of the garden at Mordecai Plantation given by Ellen Mordecai in her book ‘Gleanings From Long Ago’. Today, the garden is maintained by staff and volunteers. Plants will be on sale during the annual May event so you can start your own historic garden. This event is free and open to the public. Call 919.857.4364 for more information.

Old Time Cooking
Make a summertime visit to view re-enactors in our 1842 kitchen as they use antique kitchen tools and techniques to prepare a meal. This event is free and open to the public. Call 919.857.4364 for more information.

Citizen Advisory Council
The Mordecai CAC is an advisory body to the Raleigh City Council that represents the entire Mordecai Community. CAC meetings give residents an opportunity to hear what's going on in the area and to voice concerns. Often, civic leaders are invited to speak, and many a spirited debate has taken place in these gatherings. CAC meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Hope Elementary School (corner of Blount and Poplar).

Photos of Mordecai

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