How much do you know about the history of the city you live in? Fayetteville is a city rich with history, boasting landmarks that tell the story of its past. From its inception in the 1730s by Scottish immigrants, Fayetteville has played a significant role in the history of North Carolina.
Did you know that the city was the site of the state convention that ratified the U.S. Constitution and chartered the University of North Carolina in 1789? Want to learn more? You have two great opportunities to learn more about the city you live in.
The Downtown Walking Tour Experience
The Downtown Walking Tour, hosted by the Headquarters Library, offers a unique opportunity to explore Fayetteville's historical landmarks up close. This tour will take place on Saturday, April 12, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and requires moderate walking.
Participants will visit notable sites such as the Prince Charles Hotel, the Capitol Department Store building, the old lawyer’s building, and the historic courthouse. The tour will cover areas including Hay Street, Person Street, and parts of Gillespie Street, with the possibility of exploring Green Street if time permits. The tour will focus on the years from the 1880s to the present. This tour is free and open to all ages. Registration is required by calling 910-483-7727 ext. 1365.
Step Back in Time at Cross Creek Cemetery
The Fayetteville History Museum offers the Historic Cross Creek Cemetery Walking Tour, a chance to delve into the past and learn about the extraordinary lives of Fayettevillians buried in Cross Creek Cemetery #1.
Scheduled for Friday, May 2 and June 6 from noon to 1 p.m., this tour is led by a local historian who will discuss the iconography and architecture of the cemetery. The tour begins at 339 N. Cool Springs St., with parking available along N. Cool Springs Street. Participants should be prepared for moderate walking within the cemetery.
This tour is also free and open to all ages. To view other tours or historical happenings at the Fayetteville History Museum, visit them online at https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Facilities/Fayetteville-History-Museum.
Why Walking Tours Are Perfect for History Buffs
Walking tours offer an immersive way to experience history, allowing participants to see and feel the historical context of a location. For history buffs, these tours provide a tangible connection to the past, bringing stories and events to life in a way that reading or lectures cannot.
In Fayetteville, walking tours cover significant historical sites and offer insights from knowledgeable guides, making them an ideal activity for anyone interested in the city's rich heritage.

(Photo: The Capitol Department Store in downtown Fayetteville is one of the locations at the Downtown Walking Tour Experience provided by the Headquarters Library. Photo courtesy of Flickr)