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The Revolutionary War era home of Hezekiah Alexander is located on the grounds of The Charlotte Museum of History. Built in 1774, this two story stone mansion is the oldest surviving structure in Charlotte-Mecklenburg and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Other elements of eighteenth century life to be found on the site are the kitchen, herb garden and springhouse. Knowledgeable docents dressed in 18th Century costume lead visitors through the buildings and grounds, discussing artifacts and furnishings found in the buildings and illustrating the everyday lives of the Alexanders. They also place these buildings and people in the broader context of the history of early Charlotte and its place in the fight for American independence. Tours are offered daily at 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Find out more about the house that Hezekiah built in Solving the Rock House Mysteries. This exhibit, based on evidence from archaeological digs and original documents, explores the names and faces, and the myths and legends, surrounding the 230+ year old home. It also chronicles the preservation and restoration of the Rock House. In July 2006, the exhibit was honored by an Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History.
In accordance with archaeological evidence, the current kitchen was reconstructed on the foundations of the original. 18th Century kitchens were often separate structures from the house because of the danger of fire, and also because of the amount of heat and smoke produced by open hearth cooking. The kitchen, staffed by female slaves, was most likely also used as slave quarters. It is interesting to note that this humble two-story log structure behind the Rock House represents the type of building that most early settlers would have lived in. Reconstructed Springhouse
Two-story springhouses were rare in this area. A springhouse had multiple uses, the most important being food preservation. Inside the lower level of the springhouse, natural spring water still flows over a floor of bedrock. Ceramic crocks and jars containing perishables such as milk, butter, or cheese would have been placed in the water to be cooled, since the water temperature remains between 54 and 56 degrees Fahrenheit year round. |
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The house was preserved
through the efforts of area chapters of the Daughters of the American
Revolution starting in 1949. A second era of restoration was begun in 1969
by preservation architects and craftsmen drawing on archaeological evidence
and using construction materials and techniques of the mid-1700s. Thanks to
their efforts and the tireless determination of staff and volunteers to
locate authentic period furniture, the Homesite is an award winning example
of historic preservation in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and one of the best
examples in the region. 
Reconstructed Log Kitchen
The foundation of this springhouse dates to
approximately 1774, but the structure itself has been reconstructed based on
early photographs.
The Charlotte
Museum of History & Hezekiah Alexander Homesite |