Most of the pre-Civil War antebellum plantation homes that we think of when we think of the Southern plantation homes did not start to appear until the 19th century. The Mordecai House is one exception to the rule.
This grand home was built in 1785 for Henry and Polly Lane. They, too, came from prominent Southern families as their families were part of the originators of Wake County and connected to the Joel Lane family. It is the home's second owner, where the home acquired its name. Moses Mordica moved into the estate after marrying Joel Lane’s daughter, Margaret. Moses was one of the few Jews to relocate to Raleigh. The home originally sat on over 1000 acres of land and was the largest plantation home at the time.
When it was first built, it was a smaller home. Eventually, architect William Nicolas, who had also remodeled the State House, added on to the home. He would add five more rooms to the front of the home and the northern face was given an additional story. The front features Ionic columns to support the second story portico, which gives it its Greek revival appearance. You first walk into the double door to the entryway to the receiving room where guests would have been met in the time of the original owners. You walk down a very long hall way and through five rooms on the lower level. One of the first things that catches your eye when you arrive in the home is the beautiful grand staircase. In 1842, an outdoor kitchen garden was added and has been reintroduced to the home. In 1907, as Raleigh was expending, portions of the home had to be sold. The home features exquisite antiques, many of which belonged to the family. In additions to furnishings, visitors can see paintings, portraits, photos, china, book, and personal items belonging to the family. About 75% of the furnishings here belong to the family. The home remained in the family until 1968. Today, the home is owned by the city of Raleigh. The home is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The park also features several other buildings. One such building was built in 1795. This home was where our 17th president, Andrew Johnson was born. The building was the kitchen for the tavern his parents worked at and the president was born upstairs. The home sat for many years in the yard of Peter Casso’s Inn where Johnson’s parents were employed. It was subsequently moved to the park in 1975 where it has been restored to its original appearance. There is also a simple yet beautiful St. Mark’s Chapel built in 1847 by slaves. There is a small one-room Badger-Iredell law office that would house two US Senators. The Allen kitchen is also part of the village.
Now, given the long history of the family, it wouldn’t be unusual that some former residents have been seen around here. Indeed the home is considered to be quite haunted. In fact Jason, Grant, and the crew from TV’s Ghost Hunter’s were here. Read my separate entry on the haunting of this place!
The home does have a gift shop and restrooms. Given the age of the home, it is not handicapped accessible. Through the year there are a number of events held through the year including cooking demonstrations, High Tea, and holiday celebrations. The park is also available for rentals and the St. Mark’s chapel is one of the most popular places for local brides. There is free parking available. You can take photos inside.
Hours/admission/info
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 9am to 4pm
Sunday 1-4pm.
Tours are given on the hour and last tickets sold at 3pm, but should it be pouring outside like when I arrived, go on in when you arrive. I got here about 1:40pm and was going to wait around until 2 for the next tour. I saw one family make a mad dash for the entrance. I waited a few more minutes and went on in. They had already started the family on the tour. They just got me to the group and went back and took me through what I had missed. I guess they figured on such a horrible day they would take people on the tour as the come. Also, normally the outbuildings are open, but they weren’t on this day. I did take the time to walk down through the village and look around, but was not able to go in.
On Saturdays, from March to December, ride the Historic Raleigh Tour. The tour operates from 11am to 3pm. The tour is one hour and runs throughout downtown. Tickets are $8 (a) $4 (c). Under six free. Departs from Mordecai Park.
Admission:
$5 (a)
$3 (c/s)
Under 6 free.
Website: www.raleighnc.gov/mordecai
My two most trusted resources:
Bob Vila’s Guide to Historic Homes of the South by Bob Vila . Out of print so look at Ebay. Amazon, or your favorite used book seller.
Marvelous Old Mansions by Sylvia Higginbotham . Available from your favorite bookstore or directly from the publisher at www.blairpub.com.
This home is a fascinating look at one of the oldest and most beautiful homes in Raleigh. History lovers should make sure to stop when in town.
Very highly recommended