DURHAM, NC — Along the quiet stretch of Old Oxford Highway in Durham, North Carolina, stands a site of profound historical significance: Historic Stagville Plantation. Once one of the largest plantations in the antebellum South, it was home to more than 900 enslaved African Americans whose legacy continues to shape the region today.
For descendants like Ricky Hart and Beverly Evans, Stagville is more than just a historical landmark—it is sacred ground. As they walk through Horton Grove, where enslaved families once lived and labored, they reflect on the resilience and survival of their ancestors. “Our money was the hope of a better day,” Hart shared, standing before a white house that marks the beginning of his American family’s journey.
A Legacy of Enslavement and Survival
Stagville’s history traces back to 1771, when the Bennehan and Cameron families built their vast fortunes through the labor of enslaved people. By 1860, the plantation covered more than 30,000 acres, spanning multiple counties, and relied on generations of enslaved workers to sustain its operations. Despite the hardships they faced, these individuals left a lasting mark—literally. Their fingerprints can still be seen on the handmade bricks of chimneys in Horton Grove, offering a tangible connection to their craftsmanship and endurance.
The plantation’s structures have stood the test of time, largely due to their continued occupation well into the 20th century. Hart’s uncle, Ephraim Hart, was the last descendant to leave Horton Grove in 1975, ending more than 160 years of family presence on the site.
Preservation and Education Efforts
Today, Historic Stagville stands as a North Carolina State Historic Site, preserved since 1978 to educate visitors about the realities of slavery and the resilience of those who endured it. The site includes several original structures, such as the 1799 Bennehan family house, four slave dwellings built in 1851 at Horton Grove, and a large barn dating back to 1860. Additionally, the excavated remains of an enslaved family’s home and the Bennehan family cemetery provide further insight into the plantation’s past.
According to Stagville’s site manager, Vera Cecelski, the goal is to offer an authentic representation of the lives of the enslaved community. “These houses are the heart of our site,” Cecelski said. “Each one sheltered multiple families, all sharing limited space and enduring unimaginable hardships.”
One unique aspect of Stagville’s preservation is its emphasis on personal stories. In recent years, Hart and Evans established the Genealogy Council to bring together descendants of those once enslaved at Stagville and other connected sites, including a sister plantation in Hale County, Alabama. The council organizes reunions and memorial services, fostering a sense of connection among the descendants and helping them reclaim their family histories.
Reflection and Emotional Impact
Visiting Stagville evokes a range of emotions for many—grief, anger, and a sense of affirmation. “The hunter always tells his story, but the lion has a different story,” Hart noted, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming narratives often overlooked in mainstream history.
Cecelski highlights the impact of these stories on visitors: “Some come here seeking answers, others come to honor their ancestors. Everyone leaves with a deeper understanding of what it means to persevere.”
Planning Your Visit
Historic Stagville welcomes visitors from Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering free admission and self-guided tours. Guests can explore the preserved buildings and the expansive grounds at their own pace, reflecting on the history that still lingers in every corner.
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