In 1788, the land upon which Raleigh is located was set aside specifically for the purpose of becoming the capital of North Carolina. There was no town or settlement there at the time. In 1792 it became officially the new state capital and the new seat of Wake County. It is said that the location of the capital was determined by its proximity to Isaac Hunter’s Tavern, a popular place with the state’s legislators. Raleigh is one of the few cities that was developed from the start with the intention of being the capital. The first meeting of the North Carolina General Assembly in Raleigh occurred in December, 1794. It was at this time that the city charter was granted by the General Assembly.

In 1808, Andrew Johnson was born in Raleigh. He served as Vice President under Abraham Lincoln. He became the president following the assassination of President Lincoln.

In 1831, the state capitol building was destroyed by fire.

In 1858, Peace College was established in Raleigh, the city’s first institute of higher learning.

The Civil War began in 1861 and the city was surrounded by breastworks to help guard against an attack by Union forces. However, on April 13, 1865 Raleigh was captured by Union forces. Confederate forces left the city and proceeded westward. The Union forces pursued them, resulting in the Battle of Morrisville. Raleigh was spared major destruction as a result.

Raleigh grew little in the years following the Civil War, due simply to a weak economy.

In 1865, Shaw University began teaching African American males, becoming the South’s first African American University. Later Estry Hall was constructed on Shaw’s campus. It was the first university for African American females. Leonard Medical Center was established, which was America’s first four-year medical college for African Americans.
In 1867, the Episcopal Church established St. Augustine College for the education of freedmen (former slaves).

In 1869, the state legislature approved the nation’s first school for the education of blind and deaf African-Americans.

In 1887, the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts was opened. Today, it is North Carolina State University.

In 1889, Rex Hospital was opened, housing the state’s first nursing school.

In 1891, the Baptists Women’s College was opened. Today, it is Meredith College.

In 1912, Bloomsbury Park opened and featured a very popular carousel ride. The carousel has been relocated to Pullen Park - and it is still operating!

From 1914 to 1917, the great influenza epidemic took the lives of 288 Raleigh residents.

In 1929, Curtiss-Wright Flying Field became Raleigh’s first airport.

Research Triangle Park opened in 1957, signaling the start of greater prosperity and population growth in Raleigh.