A Capital City for North Carolina
Before the Revolutionary War the capital of North Carolina was New Bern. Starting in 1766 New Bern served as the colony's seat of government. The Governor's residence was Tryon Palace. This was just too closely associated with the royal government.
After the Halifax Resolves were ratified in April of 1776 the legislative bodies met in six different locations. In 1779 the General Assembly decided to begin the search for a new capital, yet it was not until 1788 that the Constitutional Convention held in Hillsborough chose the general location. They chose Wake County. However the representatives were a bit more specific, the new capital must be within 10 miles of Isaac Hunter's Tavern. Seven locations were nominated but Isaac Hunter's Tavern was named on the second ballot. No further action was taken until 1792 because the opposition claimed Wake County was the wilderness and could never develop into a city. In January of 1792 the General Assembly ratified the action of the Constitutional Convention and permanently established the seat of government for the State of North Carolina in Wake County.
The area began as a tiny crossroads hamlet named Bloomsbury. A planter named Joel Lane purchased thousands of acres in the area during the late 1760's. As a large landowner he was drawn into politics and became a member of the General Assembly.
Nine commissioners were chosen to select the site in Wake County, survey and lay out the town and sell lots to citizens and determine the site for the State House.
The commissioners gathered at Isaac's Tavern in March of 1792 but soon adjourned to the nearby home of State Senator Joel Lane. His home was behind the tavern at that time. Several plots of land were considered. When the first ballot failed to show a consensus Isaac and his friend Joel decided to work together. The two of them held the grandest party ever held in the area. Joel introduced the commissioners to the "jammiest bits of local jam" while Isaac poured his Cherry Bounce Whiskey with a heavy hand. The festivities lasted all night and into the early morning.
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| Joel Lane Home |
The next day they voted to purchase 1,000 acres of Lane's land to serve as the site of the new capital.
Raleigh has the distinction of being among the few capital cities to have been designed by the distance from a popular tavern.
Isaac Hunter earned a reputation for clean beds, quality food and spirits. Hunter's tavern was located on the Cross Creek to Petersburg stage road and was a popular stopping place.
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| 1969 Isaac Hunter's Tavern |
William Christmas, another senator and a surveyor by profession drew the plan for Raleigh.
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| 1792 plan |
The name for the new capital was suggested by Governor Martin in honor of Sir Walter Raleigh, who was responsible for sending the first colonists to North Carolina.
Today the Joel Lane House Museum
Today: Isaac Hunter's Tavern
Why did I blog about Isaac Hunter's tavern? His sister, Elizabeth, is my 6 times great grandmother. Their father is my 7 times great grandfather. (on my mother's side)
Thanks for stopping by!
Pattie
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