Whether a student, a researcher or just someone wanting to know a little something more about the long and rich history of Greensboro and Guilford Counties, the Greensboro History Museum is the place to be. Notable figures the museum covers include, among others, former Governor John Motley Morehead, O. Henry and David Caldwell. Exhibitions here are both of the permanent kind as well as those that are held for only a limited time.
What was once home to North Carolina Governor John Motley Morehead is now a National Historical Landmark and tourist attraction. The building's history began even before the founding of the city with it being built in 1795, then in 1844 architect Alexander Jackson Davis began a prototype Italianate style villa for the governor and eventually finished in 1846. It is one of the oldest standing Italianate structures in all of the United States. Tours are early morning and afternoons from Tuesday through Sunday.
This celebrated historic church is situated on Broad Street in Burlington, North Carolina. It was constructed in 1922, and depicts the Classical Revival style of architecture. A brilliant initiative of the church is its Sunday School, wherein classes are arranged for children across all ages to teach the lessons of the Bible. The Youth Ministry takes special steps towards creating avenues for fellowship, disciple, mission and worship. This church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
The Last Shell Oil Clamshell Station in Winston-Salem is a unique and historic landmark. It is the last remaining example of a clamshell-shaped gas station, which was once a popular marketing gimmick used by Shell Oil in the 1930s. The station was built in 1930 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a small, one-story building shaped like a giant scallop shell. The original pumps are still standing, but the station has been closed to the public since the 1950s. Designed by Raymond Loewy, the Last Shell Oil Clamshell Station is a popular tourist destination and is often featured in articles and documentaries.
High Point touts itself as the "Home Furnishings Capital of the World" and this chest of drawers was built to honor that title. Standing 38 feet (11.58 meters) tall, it is quite an impressive sight attracting thousands of visitors. Built in 1920, the chest of drawers even features a couple of dangling socks to pay tribute to the town's hosiery industry. As if that wasn't enough, High Point actually has two giant chests of drawers. The other is built onto the side of a building in the Furniture land South complex and stands about 80 feet (24 meters) tall.
William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry, is Greensboro's best known and most celebrated writer. His hometown has honored him with this impressive three-piece statue. Located on a prominent downtown corner, the bronze statue features a sculpture of the author, a large book of his stories and even a depiction of his small dog. There is no twist ending here, just a great place to snap a picture in front of one of Greensboro's favorite sons.