Attraction Guide: Mendenhall Plantation, High Point, United States

Mendenhall Plantation Guide

Journey Through Time: Explore History and Freedom at Mendenhall Plantation. Guide

Mendenhall Plantation, also known as the Mendenhall Homeplace, offers a poignant glimpse into 19th-century life in North Carolina, with a particular focus on the Quaker community's involvement in the Underground Railroad. This historic site provides a powerful and educational experience for visitors interested in history, social justice, and the fight for freedom. Built in 1813 by Richard Mendenhall, a prominent Quaker businessman and abolitionist, the plantation served as a safe haven for enslaved people seeking freedom. The Mendenhall family were deeply committed to the anti-slavery movement and actively participated in the Underground Railroad. The site includes the original Mendenhall house, a restored wagon shop, a schoolhouse, and a false-bottom wagon used to conceal escaping slaves. The Mendenhall family's Quaker beliefs heavily influenced their commitment to social justice and equality. Visitors can take guided tours of the Mendenhall Plantation, learning about the Mendenhall family, the Underground Railroad, and the lives of enslaved people who sought refuge there. Explore the historic buildings and examine the artifacts that tell the story of this important chapter in American history. The site offers educational programs and exhibits that promote understanding and dialogue about slavery, abolition, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition directly tied to the plantation, the site provides insights into the daily lives of those who lived and worked there, including their foodways.