Duke Homestead State Historic Site

Historic is waiting to be explored at the Duke Homestead State Historic Site & Tobacco Factory!

This fascinating North Carolina site features the historic home of Washington Duke, and his family where they lived from 1852 until 1874. Kids can gain an understanding of what early farming life was like, and even the beginnings of a business after the Civil War. 

In case you don't know, kids, Washington Duke was a pioneering industrialist and prolific philanthropist, but you can learn more about him when you visit!

Don't miss those guided tours either, that are offered daily. They're a great way to learn more about the homestead, and kids can ask all the questions they like!

The tour guide will take you to the four historic structures. These are the tobacco curing barn, the tobacco pack house, Washington Duke's Third Tobacco Factory from 1869, and his 1852 home.

The tour is mostly outside, and takes you on a 45 minute journey on uneven and unpaved paths. 

Also on your itinerary should be Duke Homestead's 17 minute film "Legacy of the Golden Leaf". This documentary highlights the history of the Duke family, as well as the NC tobacco industry AND the history of Durham!