Mordecai - Raleigh, NC

The Mordecai subdivision is by far the oldest neighborhood in the Raleigh, NC area. The Mordecai neighborhood derives its name from a plantation owned by the Mordecai family. In fact, it was the biggest plantation in the area during the 1800’s. Several centuries-old trees still stand in the area. Mordecai was developed in the years following World War I when much of America witnessed a building boom.

Many of the streets are named for the many varieties of trees found in Mordecai and the surrounding neighborhood. Historic Mordecai House, one of oldest houses in Raleigh, NC, stands right in the middle of the neighborhood. Amazingly, this house still stands on the same foundation, which is over 220 years old. Another attraction in Mordecai is the Mordecai Historic Park, which encompasses several buildings of bygone eras like the Bager-Iredell Office, St Marks Chapel and the birthplace of the 17th U.S. president, Andrew Johnson.

This neighborhood has a unique character. Mordecai is unlike any other neighborhood in Raleigh and despite the fact that some of the local houses are in need of repair and maintenance, Mordecai still attracts many visitors every year, in large part due to the stories and legends that surround the Mordecai family to this day. In fact, it was a member of the Mordecai family who gave 1000 acres of land to the state of North Carolina in 1872 for the purpose of building the new capital of Raleigh. Mordecai is truly a historic treasure to be preserved and protected for the future generations who will live in the Raleigh, NC area.