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Exploring the historical gems of Heritage Square
- Details
- Tuesday, 16 July 2024
- Written by Sheila D. Barker
Heritage Square, located at 225 Dick Street, is owned by the Fayetteville Woman’s Club and is a fascinating historical site that holds immense significance in the history of Fayetteville. This hidden gem features three remarkable buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the Sandford House (1797), the Oval Ballroom (1818), and the Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House (1804). These buildings are not just architectural marvels but also bear witness to the rich heritage of the region. Additionally, Heritage Square is included on the Cumberland County Civil War historical trail, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
The Sandford House, the main house of Heritage Square, was built in 1797. It is a prime example of Colonial architecture. With its symmetrical design, elegant proportions, and refined details, it stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the past.
The then Woman's Club of Fayetteville, now known as the Heritage Square Historical Society, bought the Sandford House in 1946 and now maintains it to reflect its Antebellum heritage. The interior boasts eight spacious rooms, connected by hallways and adorned with elegant mantles, doorways, and moldings.
The Oval Ballroom, constructed in 1818, is a unique structure known for its elliptical shape and stunning interior. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a popular venue for special events and weddings. The Oval Ballroom, now a standalone room, was once an extension of the Halliday-Williams House, which was demolished in the mid-1950s. An excellent example of Regency architecture, the octagonal ballroom features a large oval interior adorned with plaster cornices and pilasters.
The Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House, dating back to 1804, showcases the early Georgian-style architecture and offers a glimpse into the lives of the prominent families who once resided there. This 1.5-story, five-bay frame house sits on a brick pier foundation. It has a one-bay-wide, one-story porch with Doric columns. Georgian-style homes were usually painted red, tan, or white, unless they were made
of brick or stone.
These historic buildings not only serve as a window into the past but also as a reminder of the rich architectural heritage of Fayetteville.
The Woman's Club of Fayetteville is a charitable society found in 1906 in Fayetteville. They are not only dedicated to the restoration and preservation of Heritage Square, they are also responsible for the first library in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.
The Fayetteville Woman’s Club plays a crucial role in the preservation and maintenance of Heritage Square. Spaces in Heritage Square are rented out as private event venues in order to raise money to care for the buildings. With their dedication and commitment, they ensure that these historic buildings and the surrounding area are well-preserved for future generations.
Timeline of the Historical Ownership of the Sandford House
• Mark Russel originally owned the land where the house stands.
• In 1797 John McLeran builds the house.
• Duncan McLeran purchases the home.
• John Adam purchases the home in 1804.
• In 1820 the Sandford House becomes the first federal bank in NC.
• John William Sandford purchases it in 1832.
• In March 1865, Sherman's troops use the house as barracks.
• Confederate Captain John E.P. Daingerfield purchases the house in 1873.
• In 1897 A.H. Slocumb purchases the home.
• W.H. and Clara E. Powell purchased the house. The Powell's and their children were the last family to occupy the home.
• 1941 to 1945, The Women's Club of Fayetteville leases the house and then purchases the property in 1945.
Timeline of the Historical Ownership of the Oval Ballroom
• In 1808, Robert Halliday built the house the ballroom was then attached to.
• Robert's widow Catherine remarried, after his death, to Judge John Cameron. The Oval Ballroom was specifically built for the wedding of their daughter.
• The Camerons began renting out the house in 1847.
• John D. Williams purchased the house for his son, Arthur, in 1870.
• Prior to 1930, John's daughter Fanny inherited the house. She transformed it into the Colonial Inn, a tourist stop in the 1930s.
• Fanny's niece, Mrs. M.B. Mcleran inherited the house and donated the Colonial Inn's dining room to The Woman's Club of Fayetteville.
• The Woman's Club of Fayetteville renamed and moved what is not the Oval Ballroom in the mid-1950s.
In 1941, when The Women's Club of Fayetteville started leasing the Sandford House, they opened the doors for the home and provided suitable living quarters for unmarried working women. Thirty young, single women, a housemother and a hostess lived on the second floor in a dormitory-style setting.
The Woman's Club also provided space for any other women's organization to meet in the house free of charge in an effort to accommodate the town's growing need for social outlets. This period was marked with parties to which many of then Fort Bragg's young soldiers would flock to meet the houseful of eligible single women and their friends.
If you're planning a visit to Heritage Square, here are a few things to keep in mind. The site is located at 225 Dick Street in Fayetteville and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, it is recommended to check the visiting hours in advance as they may vary depending on the season and on-going events. Don't forget to explore the beautiful gardens and courtyard.
For more information on the events that take place at the Heritage Square or how to rent out one of the spaces call 910-483-6009.
(Photo: The Sandford House is part of Heritage Square, a historical complex in Fayetteville that also boasts The Oval Ballroom. Photo courtesy of the Heritage Square Historical Society Facebook Page.)
All entries must be turned in by 6 p.m. on July 13 to be eligible to win prizes. McElwee noted that prizes will be awarded to three groups who return the Quest form and have all correct answers.
