This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Did you know the first documented Fourth of July celebration wasn’t in Boston, Philadelphia, or Washington, D.C., but just a few hours away in Winston-Salem?
As you make plans for the semiquincentennial (say that three times fast), ditch patriotic hot spot crowds for NC’s historical gem. It’s been 273 years since Moravian settlers landed in Winston-Salem in 1753. From downtown landmarks to rolling hills, Winston-Salem tells the story of America.
Here’s a guide to immerse yourself in each era of our country, all in one city:
Colonial + Civil War eras
The first Winston-Salem settlement lives on at Historic Bethabara Park with tours through:
- The nation’s first medicinal garden
- The oldest standing Moravian church
- Archaeological ruins and restored buildings
Visitors of all ages can step into the 1700s with hands-on activities at Old Salem, about a mile outside of downtown.
Journey through Black history with Old Salem’s Hidden Town Project at St. Phillips Heritage Center, a research initiative on the history of enslaved and free people of African descent. The new Peter Oliver Pavilion stands just north of Old Salem on land once farmed by the pavilion’s namesake, a slave who traveled to Pennsylvania to purchase his freedom and returned a free craftsman.
Industrial era
1875-1930 was a period of rapid growth for our country, and Winston-Salem was no exception. Several companies that still lead the way began in Winston-Salem, including Hanes (1836) and Camel cigarettes (1913).
The same year Camel was founded, the towns of Winston and Salem merged into one unified city. The original dividing line can still be seen next to City Hall, on the corner of First and Main streets.
Today, you can visit restored industrial era factories in Innovation Quarter, a 330-acre urban research park and social hub (read: breweries, dining, and live music).
Civil Rights era
Winston-Salem’s Woolworths lunch counter became the first in the South to desegregate voluntarily, following a February 1960 sit-in. You can now visit a historical marker at the Woolworth’s site, along with the church where Martin Luther King Jr. spoke in 1964.
Visit during the International Black Theatre Festival to witness a lasting piece of the Civil Rights era. The festival launched in Winston-Salem in 1989, drawing Black theatre companies from around the world, and is still held every other summer.
If you only have a day
There are countless more American stories in Winston-Salem: The best way to pack centuries of history into a few hours is a visit to MESDA, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts. MESDA is located in Old Salem, making it a perfect add-on to exploring Old Salem Museum & Gardens.
Where to stay
Your historical getaway isn’t complete without a night in a Winston-Salem monument:
- Kimpton Cardinal Hotel | Opened in 1929 as the tallest building south of Washington, D.C.
- Historic Brookstown Inn | A restored 1837 cotton mill
- Zevely Inn B&B | The only lodging inside Old Salem, built in 1844
Check out 7+ other landmark stays.
