Duke Homestead and Tobacco Factory

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Duke Homestead and Tobacco Factory is a historic location in Durham,North Carolina.

[edit] History

Duke Homestead was originally owned by Washington Duke, the owner of Duke University in the 19th century. During the economic peak of the tobacco industry in Durham, North Carolina, the plantation brought great opulence to the Duke family. However, after the Civil War, the plantation declined. In 1874, the Duke family was economically forced to move into town. In 1931, the plantation was purchased by Duke University, and in 1966, the Duke Homestead was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. It became a North Carolina State Historic Site in 1974, administered by the North Carolina State Division of Archives and History.

[edit] Museum

Today, Duke Homestead and Tobacco Factory is a museum where tourists can view the slave houses, tobacco farms, and various artifacts. Various readings and presentations are available in the Visitor Center of the Homestead museum.