Hidden History

Durham staple receives 'local historic landmark' designation

The Chicken Hut, a cornerstone of the community for decades, has been honored with a 'local historic landmark' designation.

Discover 7 fascinating historical sites in North Carolina

Looking to explore historical sites in North Carolina? Discover unforgettable experiences with our guide. Dive in now and start planning your journey today!

Historic Cary home reopens for tours after being moved to a new location two years ago

More than two years after it was relocated from its home of 150 years, the Ivey-Ellington House will reopen for tours this week.

What did Juneteenth mean for the thousands freed from slavery in Raleigh?

Full of modern day coffee shops, trendy restaurants and boutiques, it may be hard to imagine a time when downtown Raleigh was instead full of sprawling fields, plantation houses - and hundreds of enslaved individuals.

Heather Leah, WRAL multiplatform producer

The deeper history of a city: Why was Sir Walter Raleigh executed?

Why was Sir Walter Raleigh executed, and what led to this event? We examine Raleigh by taking a closer look at the life of the man it was named after.

Beauty and kindness: Hidden history of WRAL's Azalea Gardens

The blooming of the WRAL Azalea Garden has been a constant symbol of the return of spring.

Heather Leah, WRAL digital journalist

One day only: 'Secret garden,' signature mocktail available in Raleigh this Sunday

On Sunday, for one day only, the Isabelle Bowen Henderson House and Gardens, a Raleigh Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is open to the public for tours.

Heather Leah, WRAL multiplatform producer

Mining gold in North Carolina: The anatomy of the first American gold rush

Unearth the secrets of mining gold in North Carolina's rich lands, and America's first gold rush. Start your adventure into the history of gold here!

Julian Grace: Learning my family's connection to North Carolina's dark past

Coming from Indiana nearly five years ago, WRAL anchor/reporter Julian Grace said he's always found a deep connection to Raleigh. During this Black History Month, he decided to learn more about his connections to one of Raleigh's oldest Black neighborhoods.

Historic landmarks of North Carolina: A journey through time

Are you interested in learning more about some of the most significant landmarks in North Carolina? Let's take a look at the rich history of this state.

Raleigh woman discovers grandmother was a slave, wants to clear inaccuracies with her story

Gloria Feimster's grandmother, Emma Blalock, was interviewed in 1937 for the WPA Slave Narratives. There's just one problem -- what was recorded almost 90 years ago is full of inaccuracies.

Aircraft facts: Why North Carolina is central to the history of flight

Unearth the rich North Carolina aviation history and see how it has shaped today's innovations. Click here to explore fun aircraft facts this state offers.

North Carolina's state seal: A journey through history and symbolism

From its pre-Revolutionary origins to its current form, discover how the seal encapsulates North Carolina's landscape, values and history.

Loyal and tenacious: Here's why the Plott Hound is North Carolina's state dog

Discover the fascinating history of the Plott Hound, North Carolina's official state dog, and explore why this loyal and tenacious breed is a cherished symbol of the state's heritage.

North Carolina's state tree: Pine connects state history, ecology

Learn about the significance of the pine tree, the state tree of North Carolina. Discover why it's a vital part of the state's ecosystem.

North Carolina State Flag: A deep dive into its historical journey

Explore the North Carolina state flag history and uncover the stories behind its symbols. Click to dive into its rich past!

Origins of the NC State Fair: From first rides to first ham biscuits, 170 years of history

The North Carolina State Fair first came to Raleigh 170 years ago, and things have changed a lot in that time - including the fair's original locations, both of which have been mostly forgotten over the decades.

North Carolina pirates: 5 famous NC pirates, including Blackbeard

Blackbeard, also known as Edward Teach, is arguably North Carolina's most famous pirate. Here's a list of five famous pirates in North Carolina.

Bynum Front Porch: Old country store on the Haw River keeps NC traditions alive

Tucked away down the winding rural roads of NC, there's an old country store not far from Raleigh, where you can sit in a rocking chair on the front porch listening to guitars and stories on a balmy summer evening.

Heather Leah, WRAL multiplatform producer

Chasing waterfalls: Check out these whimsical waterfalls right here in the Triangle

You don't have to drive all the way to the North Carolina mountains to see beautiful waterfalls this season - there are several beautiful and historic waterfalls right here in the Triangle. One is even hidden in the middle of a Raleigh neighborhood.

Kaitlyn Dang, WRAL multiplatform producer

Fort Fisher to re-create lost parts of fort, including underground tunnel

After more than 163 years, parts of Fort Fisher that had been destroyed by time will appear more complete than ever thanks to construction recreating a lost part of the fort.

Heather Leah, WRAL multiplatform producer

Buried treasure: Old castle hidden beneath NC's largest sand dune fully visible again

Jockey's Ridge hides a secret castle beneath its ever-shifting sands -- remains from a 1970s mini golf course that was swallowed long ago.

Heather Leah, WRAL multiplatform producer

Hidden history: Abandoned barns have secret artwork from decades ago

The sight of a dilapidated old tobacco barn with peeling paint and caved in roof may not be an unusual sight along the rural roads of the Old North State - but in the small town of Cameron, those old barns look a lot different than your average countryside scene.

Hidden murals: Abandoned tobacco barns have secret artwork from decades ago

The sight of a dilapidated old tobacco barn with peeling paint and caved in roof may not be an unusual sight along the rural roads of the Old North State - but in the small town of Cameron, those old barns look a lot different than your average countryside scene.

Heather Leah, WRAL multiplatform producer

On this day 248 years ago: Small NC town becomes central to birth of the United States

North Carolina will be launching its celebration of America's 250th birthday during a special event in Halifax this month.