Activity Overview
Built in 1774, the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite is the oldest surviving house made from rock in the Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Hezekia Alexander built the house for his wife and ten kids. Aside from the main house, he also built the springhouse, log kitchen, and barn. The house has gone through several restoration projects throughout the years but 90% of the original architecture and stonework remains. The house is now under the care of the Charlotte Museum of History.
Things to Do
- Imagine living in the colonial era complete with a live background music. A violinist plays 18th century music while strolling on the grounds.
- The family can join a guided tour and know more about the daily life in the 18th century. The tour is led by knowledgeable and friendly docents who are all dressed up in 18th century costumes too.
- Listen to the docents as they engage everyone with stories of how the Alexanders lived in the colonial era. The docent will talk about the different artifacts in the house and demonstrate possible conversations that transpired among the Alexander family.
- Visit the other parts of the campus. The kitchen was constructed outside of the house because of too much heat emitted by cooking in an open-hearth. You will also visit the springhouse, the food storage building that sits on top of a cool, natural spring. This is where the family kept their dairy products to be kept cool.
Hezekiah Alexander Homesite Insider Tips
- Tours are on a first come, first serve basis. Register at the museum to join the next trip.
- The tour and access to the homesite is included in the museum admission fee.
