History of the Hezekiah Alexander House

Now located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the 5,000 square-foot, rock home was quite a mansion for the backwoods where it was built in 1774. The house is reminiscent of early homes Germans built in Pennsylvania. In fact, many German immigrants moved from Pennsylvania into North Carolina. Today, this is the oldest surviving building in Mecklenburg County.

Hezekiah Alexander had been born in Maryland sometime around 1725. In 1767 he bought over 300 acres on Sugar Creek and built his house there in 1774. He first worked as a blacksmith and later became a farmer, but he had several noted accomplishments. For example, he served in the Fifth Provincial Congress, which wrote North Carolina's first constitution and as a trustee of Queens College. He was also appointed a county magistrate by Royal Governor William Tryon, signed the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, helped draw up the Mecklenburg Resolve, and

served on safety committees.

Hezekiah married Mary Sample, and they had 10 children, 8 boys and 2 girls. He died July 16, 1801. His house still stands today as a museum and memorial to his life. Guided tours are Tuesday - Saturday on the hour from noon until 4:00 p.m. with an admission fee.

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