History of Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh certainly has some historical facts that no other city in the United States can claim. Let’s take a look at the rich history of Raleigh NC.
Let’s go way back
The original settlement, under the direction of Sir Walter Raleigh, was begun by John White dating back to 1587. It was on the north end of Roanoke Island about 190 miles from the current city. When John White returned three years later the colony was totally gone. It has since been forever called the Lost Colony. Jump ahead to 1771 and we find a petition to create a new county, that being Wake County. More years of governmental churning and we finally get to 1792 and the city of Raleigh as we know it today, both the county seat and the state capital.
Jumping into the 1800s
The population for the area today is over 1.2 million residents. In 1800 it was 669. A fun fact is that in 1801 the city bought its first fire engine for $374. In 1808 the 17 th President of the United States was born in Raleigh, that being Andrew Johnson. In 1833 we see the first railroad to service Raleigh come to town. The city is now the third largest in the state. In 1865 when President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated the Union troops were going to rampage through the city to retaliate. The Union army General John Logan points the gun emplacements at his own troops to thwart the threat. Raleigh was very lucky and was saved from any major damage through the Civil War. By the end of the 1800s we see close to 10,000 residents making it the second largest city in North Carolina. We also see the first automobiles chugging up and down the streets and the first Union railroad passenger station.
Items of Interest from the 1900s.
At the turn of the century Raleigh’s population has grown to over 13,000. Remember that fire truck that was purchased? In 1912 they started the first PAID fire department. In 1910 they paved 14 blocks of city streets. What a difference that made. Raleigh did lose 288 residents in 1918 with the outbreak of the influenza. One month later with the armistice being signed to end WWI North Carolina went on record as having lost 5,799 men. Here is a fun fact. The installation of the first parking meter was in 1939. At this time the population was 47,000. In 1957 is when things really took off with the establishment of the Research Triangle Park.
Today
The rich history of Raleigh continues. Now rated as the second smartest city in the country with two state universities and the businesses and employees that the research park draws, Raleigh delivers a perfect blend of history, tradition and the modern amenities of today. Over 1,200 restaurants draw on some of that history or infuse it with contemporary menus that our society drives today. Raleigh is a must on your bucket list!
We have an amazing history. Convinced to visit and/or live? Here’s some contemporary reasons.
Raleigh is our home. We’re proud of its heritage, history, and culture. Consider Renaissance Dental Center today for you and your family’s dental needs.