Hidden History
Uncovered stories from the past
Latest stories
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Explore Historic Oakwood in Raleigh
In this guide, we'll look at what makes Oakwood stand out, what to see, and how it fits into the wider story of Raleigh's history.
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Rumbling mountains: History of major earthquakes in North Carolina
Damage-causing earthquakes are very rare in North Carolina; however, the state has faced a handful of memorable and powerful quakes that have been largely forgotten by history.
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Underground railroad site found in Manhattan mansion
Preservationists at the historic Merchant's House Museum found a hidden room and tunnel, evidence of a stop on the Underground Railroad. While this 19th-century mansion is famous for its preserved interiors, its most important room might have been the one meant to stay hidden.
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How Raleigh earned the name 'City of Oaks'
The origin of City of Oaks dates back to Raleigh history in the late 1700s.
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From tropical shrub to Christmas icon, how an NC State professor found the secret to the poinsettia
Discover how an NC State professor unlocked the secret of transforming the humble tropical shrub into the vibrant Christmas icon we know today. Learn about the groundbreaking research that revolutionized poinsettia cultivation, making it a holiday favorite worldwide.
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Remembering the 2017 downtown Raleigh fire
The blaze covered a section of downtown Raleigh in what is believed to be the city's largest fire in 100 years.
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Remembering the 1988 Raleigh tornado: Four killed, 157 injured
The F-4 tornado spun through Wake, Franklin, Nash, Halifax, Northampton and Hertford counties.
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Discover 7 fascinating historical sites in North Carolina
Looking to explore historical sites in North Carolina? Discover unforgettable experiences with our guide. Dive in now and start planning your journey today!
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What did Juneteenth mean for the thousands freed from slavery in Raleigh?
Full of modern day coffee shops, trendy restaurants and boutiques, it may be hard to imagine a time when downtown Raleigh was instead full of sprawling fields, plantation houses - and hundreds of enslaved individuals.
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The deeper history of a city: Why was Sir Walter Raleigh executed?
Why was Sir Walter Raleigh executed, and what led to this event? We examine Raleigh by taking a closer look at the life of the man it was named after.
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One day only: 'Secret garden,' signature mocktail available in Raleigh this Sunday
On Sunday, for one day only, the Isabelle Bowen Henderson House and Gardens, a Raleigh Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is open to the public for tours.
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Mining gold in North Carolina: The anatomy of the first American gold rush
Unearth the secrets of mining gold in North Carolina's rich lands, and America's first gold rush. Start your adventure into the history of gold here!
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Julian Grace: Learning my family's connection to North Carolina's dark past
Coming from Indiana nearly five years ago, WRAL anchor/reporter Julian Grace said he's always found a deep connection to Raleigh. During this Black History Month, he decided to learn more about his connections to one of Raleigh's oldest Black neighborhoods.
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Historic landmarks of North Carolina: A journey through time
Are you interested in learning more about some of the most significant landmarks in North Carolina? Let's take a look at the rich history of this state.
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Aircraft facts: Why North Carolina is central to the history of flight
Unearth the rich North Carolina aviation history and see how it has shaped today's innovations. Click here to explore fun aircraft facts this state offers.
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Loyal and tenacious: Here's why the Plott Hound is North Carolina's state dog
Discover the fascinating history of the Plott Hound, North Carolina's official state dog, and explore why this loyal and tenacious breed is a cherished symbol of the state's heritage.
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North Carolina's state seal: A journey through history and symbolism
From its pre-Revolutionary origins to its current form, discover how the seal encapsulates North Carolina's landscape, values and history.
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Loyal and tenacious: Here's why the Plott Hound is North Carolina's state dog
Discover the fascinating history of the Plott Hound, North Carolina's official state dog, and explore why this loyal and tenacious breed is a cherished symbol of the state's heritage.
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Hurrah! North Carolina's state song celebrates history, accomplishments, people
Information about Hurrah! North Carolina's state song celebrates history, accomplishments, people
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North Carolina pirates: 5 famous NC pirates, including Blackbeard
Blackbeard, also known as Edward Teach, is arguably North Carolina's most famous pirate. Here's a list of five famous pirates in North Carolina.
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Bynum Front Porch: Old country store on the Haw River keeps NC traditions alive
Tucked away down the winding rural roads of NC, there's an old country store not far from Raleigh, where you can sit in a rocking chair on the front porch listening to guitars and stories on a balmy summer evening.
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Chasing waterfalls: Check out these whimsical waterfalls right here in the Triangle
You don't have to drive all the way to the North Carolina mountains to see beautiful waterfalls this season - there are several beautiful and historic waterfalls right here in the Triangle. One is even hidden in the middle of a Raleigh neighborhood.
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Fort Fisher to re-create lost parts of fort, including underground tunnel
After more than 163 years, parts of Fort Fisher that had been destroyed by time will appear more complete than ever thanks to construction recreating a lost part of the fort.
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Mini-golf castle from 1970s revealed after being buried under sand dune for years
Jockey's Ridge hides a secret castle beneath its ever-shifting sands -- remains from a 1970s mini golf course that was swallowed long ago.
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Buried treasure: Old castle hidden beneath NC's largest sand dune fully visible again
Jockey's Ridge hides a secret castle beneath its ever-shifting sands -- remains from a 1970s mini golf course that was swallowed long ago.
