Name: Stagville State Historic Site
Telephone: (919) 620-0120

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Phone: (919) 620-0120

Directions 4.6

The past has been preserved at Historic Stagville, a 165-acre State Historic Site, entirely dedicated to teaching about the lives and stories of enslaved African Americans. Through careful research, Stagville documents the history of the enslaved people who lived there, and their descendants. At over 700 acres, it is the largest nature preserve in Durham. These historic grounds are free and open to the public for self-guided exploration. Guided tours at Historic Stagville are $2 for adults and $1 for children and seniors. Tours are available on Tuesday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.. Call ahead to confirm availability for guided tours.

Google Rating

4.6

Kristy Johnson 4 months ago

In State V Mann (Edenton has a sign commemorating), NC concluded that “the power of the master must be absolute, to render the submission of the slave perfect.” Therefore, inhuman punishment of enslaved humans must be legal in North Carolina. The court cited “the actual condition of things”—the institution of slavery. Altering the definition of slavery was not the right of jurists, so there could be no legal protections for enslaved humans.

Stagville was one of the largest plantations in the south. Black Americans were kept in overcrowded homes, children sold as punishment or to pay debts, women and children sexually assaulted, and random beatings profferred, just to maintain a sense of fear and control. Humans were treated as things: property.

✨The fingerprints and footprints in these bricks-made by the precious people who were enslaved here-tell a different story.✨

Even after emancipation, entirely separate laws were maintained for black and white people. The new form of oppression sought to change as little as possible about the state of things, and the humanity, and was enforced by the justice department. Sharecroppers were never truly free.

Where laws disadvantage or unfairly impact one group of people-whether it be Spanish speakers today, Muslims in Texas not eligible for vouchers to Muslim schools, disabled people during “ugly laws,” Japanese immigrants during WW2, or black Americans during Jim Crow-injustice reigns, and no one is truly free.

I highly recommend paying for the actual tour. You learn so much more.

My ONE complaint is that there were three large, unleashed dogs, running around on the second site. This forced me to leave early. I have brittle bones and EDS. I can’t risk injury. Dogs should be leashed on historic sites, and this must be enforced so ALL can access our history.
Tricia a year ago

Stopped on my way home from South Carolina- I love visiting historic sites & learning about them. This was a great tour. For how cheap the tickets were it surprised me that the tour was long & impactful! The tour guide was knowledgeable & friendly! My only complaint was that the main house was not available to view but outside of that I enjoyed the experience!
Cor Mango 2 months ago

I recently visited Historic Stagville State Historic Site in Durham, North Carolina, and it was a very powerful and educational experience. The self-guided tour, Slavery, Freedom, and Resistance, really helps visitors understand the lives of the people who were enslaved there and the history connected to the plantation.

Walking through the grounds and seeing the preserved buildings made the history feel very real. The information provided throughout the site was thoughtful and respectful, helping visitors reflect on both the hardships endured and the strength and resistance of those who lived there.

I appreciated that the site focuses on telling the stories of the enslaved community and preserving this important part of American history. It is a meaningful place to visit for anyone who wants to learn more, reflect, and better understand the past.
Ronald Hoag a month ago

My wife and I arrived early for our guided tour and killed time exploring. Stagville was interesting but, for Williamsburg/Jamestown regulars, lacked interpretive displays at the visitors center and access to the buildings. THEN, on the tour, we saw this place, its buildings, and its people through the historical knowledge and eye-opening perspective of our truly excellent tour guide. We were informed and moved. Stagville is highly recommended and the tour, which costs only a dollar or two, is a bargain and a must. Also, a more fully developed visitors center is on the way.
Kendra Jackson 3 months ago

I had a great time learning about the enslaved and sharecroppers from this plantation. Last family to live in the share croppers home was in the 1950