The map above may be a little confusing. Historic Oakwood (outlined
and shaded in red) does
not encompass all of Oakwood. It includes part of Oakwood, part
of Oakdale, and a section to the south between Bloodworth and East
St. which is not officially included in the Oakwood neighborhood.
Oakwood and Oakdale were originally part of the Mordecai Plantation.
In 1867 Henry Mordecai donated a parcel of land to be used as
a Confederate cemetery which ultimately became known as Oakwood Cemetery.
Oakwood took its name from the cemetery.
Oakwood's house count in 1872 was about 11. By 1881 the number
of homes had grown to around 50, many of which belonged to Raleigh's
most prominent citizens. Oakwood is the only intact 19th century
neighborhood in Raleigh. A walk through the area will give you
a nice sample architectural styles from that period in American history.
Better yet, many of the homes are open in December during Historic
Oakwood's annual Candlelight Tour.
A strong neighborhood organization saved Oakwood from
decimation in the early 1970's. In 1975 it was included in the
National Register of Historic Places. Historic Oakwood today is
a unique and wonderful place to live.
