Description: Tryon Palace was built between 1767 and 1770 for Royal Governor William Tryon. He and his family lived there for just over a year until he was appointed governor of New York. Josiah Martin replaced him but fled in May 1775 when the Revolution broke out. His furnishings were auctioned off by the state government who installed their first four governors (Richard Caswell, Abner Nash, Alexander Martin, and Richard Dobbs Spaight)in the house. In April 1791, a dinner and dance were held there for President George Washington.
When the State Capitol was moved to Raleigh in 1794 the house was rented as a Masonic Lodge, private school and a boarding house until 1798 when the house burned leaving only the stable and kitchen. Early in the 19th century, the kitchen was demolished and the area built on.
In 1944, Mrs. James Latham established a trust fund to reconstruct and furnish the site. Over fifty buildings had to be moved or torn down but by 1959 the resoration had been completed and the site was open to the public.
The furnishings were purchased to match Governor Tryon's tastes using an inventory of his possessions which he made after his new home at Fort George, New York burned.
Tours are conducted by guides in period costume and guests can tour the 18th-century English gardens on their own. Admission is $15 adult/$6 students. It is open Tues-Sat. 9-5, Sunday 1-5 (last tour begins at 4:00PM). The garens are open until 6:00 PM. It is closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Dec. 24-26 and Jan 1.
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