About Us: The Town of Fuquay-Varina


Local Landmarks
Ballentine Spence House Ballentine Spence House - 109 East Spring Street: This home was built in 1910 and is a mix of Victorian and Early Colonial Revivial styles. It was the home of the first schoolmaster in Fuquay Springs and was the first home in the area to have plumbing and electricity. Local Historic Landmark: 11-4-96/NR District. (drawing © Sarah Humsburger)
Ben Wiley Hotel Ben Wiley Hotel - 331 South Main Street: This building was constructed in 1925 by Dr. Wiley Cozart, a former mayor and community leader. This Craftsman style building is positioned on a knoll that overlooked the Fuquay Mineral Springs. Local Historic Landmark: 12-5-94/NR:2-27-97/NR District. (drawing © Tom Tate)

Other Historic Points of Interest
Fuquay Springs Fuquay Mineral Springs - South Main Street: Stephen Fuquay was the proprietor of a large plantation and one day while plowing his fields he discovered a spring. He began using it for drinking water, and soon became convinced that the mineral water had valuable healing properties. Word spread after he told his friends and neighbors and the springs developed a reputation. They were walled in on four sides leaving the front lower for drainage. A gourd was hung at the spring for everyone to use. Summer tourists began coming to the area, using several small hotels that had been built. But it wasn't until the early 1900s that the popularity of the spring reached its peak. (drawing © Shirley Humsburger)

Ballentine School Ballentine School - South Fuquay Avenue: The small two-room school was built in 1880 by Squire Ballentine on a site above the old spring. The first treacher was Miss Harriet Parker who attended Peace College. The old school house was built of logs and boarded over with pine lumber on the inside and out. The house is now located on South Fuquay Avenue, just north of the public library. (photo © Tom Tate)



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

Designed and Hosted by: Spidle Webs