Goodnight Raleigh - a look at the art, architecture, history, and people of the city at night
Wilson Dixon, Company C, 1st Missouri
There’s a hidden treasure in Raleigh, but unfortunately it’s not publicly accessible because it’s on the grounds of Central Prison. Of all the relics of Raleigh’s involvement in the Civil War, this is one of the most important as well as one of the most hidden. It’s an inscription on a rock made by a Union soldier made during the northern army’s occupation of the area.
According to recovery.gov, North Carolina has so far received $3.3 billion in federal stimulus funds as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. $11.1 million of those funds have been invested in to a new transit maintenance and operations facility in Raleigh that is scheduled to be completed in April.
Chavis Park carousel today, photo by John Morris
Having lived in Raleigh for about ten years now, I feel sheepish to admit that my first visit to Chavis Park occurred about a week ago. Originally conceived as part of the Works Progress Administration, the Park opened in 1937 during segregation for Raleigh’s African American citizens. Named after John Chavis, a prominent black preacher and teacher alive in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Park provided a destination spot for black families from all over the state.
Easily accessible from Martin Luther King Blvd., the 37-acre park is equipped with a swimming pool for the summer, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, picnic areas, a playground, expanses of fields for soccer and other sports, and of course, the original Chavis Park Carousel.
This week Flashback Friday soars high above Raleigh’s beloved State Capitol. The sophisticated 19th century Greek Revival building has stood on this spot for 175 years. We’ll also take a peek at the history of this building and its predecessors. So climb aboard and enjoy the flight!
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