Old stagecoach stop and tavern is Cary’s newest local historic landmark
Cary has just added another property to the town’s list of historic landmarks.
The Nancy Jones House, built around 1803, was designated a Cary Historic Landmark by the Town Council on Thursday night. The former stagecoach stop and tavern is the oldest residence in the town.
The home is already one of four in Cary listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but the local recognition is different and brings more honor, reduced property taxes, and preservation assistance.
After being moved in 2021, the Nancy Jones House is at 9321 Chapel Hill Road, about 500 feet from where it originally stood. Some improvements have been made, including restoring the interior designs, the chimneys and laying a new foundation. More rehabilitation will begin later this year.
Relocation, rehabilitation of Nancy Jones House
The Nancy Jones House, an example of vernacular Federal architecture, was owned by Henry and Nancy Jones, according to the town. After her husband died in 1841, Nancy Jones continued to operate the home business for over 30 years. The home’s history predates the incorporation of Cary in 1871.
The large, white home had visits from several state governors and former President James K. Polk.
In 1984, the Nancy Jones House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance, folklore, and communications, the three destinations for federal recognition.
In 2019, Cary bought the home from the Sri Venkateswara Temple, promising to move it or further preservation.
At Thursday’s meeting, council members commended the town staff and the Historic Preservation Commission’s work supporting the home.
“One of the most important pieces of this is education and community involvement,” said Council member Ryan Eades. “If we don’t have a community that’s committed to preservation, it’s meaningless.”
The 11 other Cary Historic Landmarks are:
- First Christian Church Cemetery
- Cary Arts Center
- Sams-Jones House
- Hillcrest Cemetery
- Dr. John Pullen Hunter House
- Guess-White-Ogle House
- Page-Walker Arts & History Center
- White Plains Cemetery
- Carpenter Farm Supply store
- Farmers’ Cooperative and Meeting Hall (at Carpenter Farm Supply)
- John L. and Henrie G. Sears house
The town’s three other properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places are the Ivey-Ellington House, which was moved earlier this year, the Page-Walker Arts and History Center, and Utley-Council House.
This story was originally published June 23, 2023 at 11:32 AM.