Local Landmarks in Downtown Fuquay-Varina

Ballentine Spence House - 109 East Spring Street: This home, built in 1910 by “Squire” J. D. Ballentine, is a mix of Victorian and Early Colonial Revival styles. Ballentine, along with his brother and nephew, was proprietor of the Varina Mercantile located across the street. Built for his second wife, the new “downtown” home was the first in the area to have plumbing and electricity.

Local Historic Landmark: 11-4-96/NR District.

Ben Wiley Hotel - 331 South Main Street: The last hotel to be constructed in Fuquay-Varina, this craftsman style building is positioned on a knoll that overlooked the Fuquay Mineral Springs. Dr. Wiley S. Cozart and wife operated the business from 1925-1947, after which the building was converted to an apartment house.

Local Historic Landmark: 12-5-94/NR:2-27-97/NR District.

Other Historic Points of Interest in Downtown Fuquay-Varina

Fuquay Mineral Springs - South Main Street: The discovery of the spring, while plowing the family farmland, has been attributed to Stephen Fuquay or his son, David Crockett Fuquay, circa 1858. The reputation of the mineral waterʼs curative powers spread widely, hotels developed, and visitors came by rail to “take the waters. ” Walled on the sides, the springʼs water drained from a pipe into a bowl above the creek. A gourd, hung on the post, facilitated public participation. Easter Monday and Fourth of July crowds peaked between 1900-1925. While a corporation of ten men in 1860 managed early publicity, marketing by the Fuquay Mineral Springs Corporation of 1916 achieved more widespread shipment of the water.

"Squire" Ballentine School - 125 South Fuquay Avenue: One of the three musuems on this property, this two-room school was operated circa 1875-1892. Opened by J. D. “Squire” Ballentine above the mineral spring, the frame bulding was heated by two stone fireplaces. Besides Ballentine, teachers included Virginia “Varina” Ballentine, Harriet Parker (Jones) and A. P. Fuquay. When closed as a school, the building became a residential cottage for thirty years. Given to the Town of Fuquay-Varina, the building was moved to the present site in 1993 and became part of the museumsʼ complex in 2009.

Historic Districts

Fuquay Springs National Register Residential Historic District: The area around South Main Street and Spring Street encompasses a five block area including the site of the Fuquay Mineral Springs. The homes in the area reflect the development of the community between 1889 and the 1940s. NR: 11-29-96

Varina National Register Commercial Historic District: The Broad Street district consists of a block and a half of commerical buildings facing Union Station and the railroad tracks. NR: 1-31-90