Leaders of Raleigh Walking Tour


Jump To:

 
Interactive Map Attractions Other points of interest

Throughout nine stops, you will get to know leaders who have made an impact here in the City of Oaks. Sites include: Shaw University, the North Carolina State Capitol and the Joel Lane Museum House. 

Cost: Free, self-guided
Getting around: Walk or bikeshare
Starting point: Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh
Tour distance: 3.6 miles 
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes walking; 31 minutes biking 
Full Audio tour: Available
 

Interactive Map

Use this interactive map to see the recommended route. Click on any of the sites on the map to see a description of the attraction and/or listen to the audio description. You can also view and download a PDF version of the map

Attractions

During the Leaders of Raleigh tour, you will learn about key figures in Raleigh's history. Sites include: Leonard Medical Center at Shaw University, the North Carolina State Capitol, and the Joel Lane Museum House. 

aerial shot of the Raleigh Convention Center at twilight

Stop 1: Raleigh Convention Center

Listen to full audio description 

500 S. Salisbury Street

Welcome to the Leaders of Raleigh Tour, where you will get to know leaders who have made an impact here in the City of Oaks.

Exterior of Leonard Medical Center

Stop 2: Leonard Medical Center 

118 E. South St. 

Listen to full audio description

The Leonard Medical Center was named after Judson Wade Leonard, a key benefactor of the Shaw University. It was the first four-year medical program in the U.S. 

Exterior of Estey Hall

Stop 3: Estey Hall, Shaw University 

721 S. Wilmington St. 

Listen to full audio description

Ella Baker, an African-American civil right and human rights activist, was a Shaw University alumna and studied here in Estey Hall, the first building constructed in the U.S. for the higher education of African-American women.

The birthplace of Andrew Johnson

Stop 4: Andrew Johnson's Birthplace 

123 Fayetteville St. 

Listen to full audio description

President Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States and was born near this marker. 

Exterior of North Carolina State Capitol

Stop 5: North Carolina State Capitol 

1 East Edenton St. 

Listen to full audio description

The North Carolina State Capitol has been the active capitol building of the state since it opened in 1840. It is one of the finest and best-preserved examples of a major civic building in the Greek Revival style of architecture.

Old photo of Henry Clay Oak Historical Marker

Stop 6: Henry Clay Oak Historical Marker 

407 N Blount St.   

Listen to full audio description

This marker was set to commemorate when aspiring presidential candidate Henry Clay penned a letter called the "Raleigh Letter" to oppose a potential war with Mexico over the annexation of Texas in 1844. 

Burke Square sign outside of Governor's mansion

Stop 7: Governor's Mansion 

200 N. Blount St.

Listen to full audio description

The North Carolina Executive Mansion is the official residence of the Governor of North Carolina and their family.

Exterior of Joel Lane Museum House

Stop 8: Joel Lane Museum House 

160 S. St. Mary’s Street

Listen to full audio description

Joel Lane, a local statesman, politician, landowner, patriot, and slaveholder is called “The Father of Raleigh” because he sold 1,000 acres of his land to the state in 1792, on which to build the new capital of North Carolina.

All Are Welcome Raleigh Mural at night

Stop 9: All Are Welcome Raleigh Murual 

428 S. McDowell St. 

Listen to full audio description

Created by artist Luke Buchanan, the "All Are Welcome Raleigh" mural, welcomes visitors to Downtown Raleigh along a highly trafficked thoroughfare. 

Other points of interest