Tryon Palace

Tryon Palace is at 529 S. Front St. The Tryon Palace complex includes the Governor's Palace, the North Carolina History Center, historic homes and formal gardens. The imposing Georgian-style palace, built over a 3-year period by Royalist Governor William Tryon, was designed to represent the British crown. It became North Carolina's first permanent capitol and was considered one of the finest government building in Colonial America. In 1798, a disastrous fire destroyed the palace; it was later reconstructed on the same site using the original architect's drawings. The palace is furnished with rare 18th-century English and American artifacts and decorative arts, and the 21 acres of grounds are landscaped in the style of an 18th-century English garden. Tours, conducted by costumed interpreters, give visitors the opportunity to see demonstrations of weaving and cooking as they were done in Colonial times. Also on the grounds is the North Carolina History Center, offering an interactive experience with hands-on exhibits that transport visitors back to a coastal 1830s village, as well as the Regional History Museum. Guided tours are available. Food is available.