Things to do in Kinston, North Carolina (NC): The Best Sights & Landmarks

Harmony Hall is the only house of historical significance left standing in Kinston, North Carolina. The site was built in 1772 by Jesse Cobb and his wife, Elizabeth Heritage Cobb, and has served as a residence to prominent historical figures of Lenoir County. Harmony Hall housed the offices of James Glasgow, Secretary of State, until 1781. The State Board of War and other official meetings were held there at this time. During the Revolutionary period, it was owned by Richard Caswell, First Governor of North Carolina after Independence was gained from Great Britain. The house was also the site of a Civil War Hospital, Church Annex, Public Library, and Women's Club building. The house was remodeled around 1790, again in 1835 and the most recent restoration was completed in 1984. The restored house features a large reception room, called the great room, at the center of the first floor with open fireplaces at each end.

The Governor Caswell Memorial pays tribute to North Carolina’s first State governor. The Memorial houses artifacts from the Revolutionary War time period. There are reproductions of items to portray the life and times of Governor Richard Caswell. As a governor he was a man of great renown. The exhibits also tell about his life before and after being a governor including his family, his town, military career and business life. The location of the memorial was once part of the “Red House” Plantation that was once owned by the Caswell family. The only thing that remains from the original plantation is the family cemetery that is owned by the Mosely-Bright Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and administered by the State Historic Site.