North Carolina's capital city of Raleigh, nestled in the heart of the state, is a picturesque oak-canopied community founded in 1792. One of the few planned state capitals within the United States, the city has experienced tremendous growth since its creation, expanding from a small but busy 18th-century town to the modern-day anchor for one of America's largest technological centers. Historic Raleigh traces the city's transformation from its earliest days as a seat of state government to one of the South's premier Southern cities. Incorporating more than 200 vintage photographs, this volume features state government buildings such as the State Capitol and the Executive Mansion; six institutions of higher learning, including NC State, Meredith College, and Shaw University; the changing face of downtown and Fayetteville Street, which once was the heart of Raleigh's commercial district; the suburban explosion that began with Cameron Village, the first shopping center in the Southeast; the evolution of Raleigh's multi-cultural neighborhoods; and celebrations hosted by the city, including the state fair. The images, coupled with informative text, also delve into the ways in which national events, such as world wars and the Civil Rights Movement, affected Raleigh on the local level.

With Explorer’s Guides, expert authors and helpful icons make it easy to locate places of extra value, family-friendly activities, and excellent restaurants and lodgings. Regional and city maps help you get around and What’s Where provides a quick reference on everything from tourist attractions to off-the-beaten-track sites. From America’s most popular national parks to the sands of the Outer Banks to the cool peaks of the tallest mountains in the East, writer/photographer Jim Hargan covers everything worth seeing and doing in his home state. Explore wilderness areas on bicycle or by kayak, visit sleepy hamlets or lively downtowns, enjoy fine dining or country cooking on your quest for the authentic Tarheel experience.