Rooted in History. Growing into the Future.

 

Long before Raleigh became North Carolina’s capital city, a single oak tree began its quiet watch over the land that would become Blount Street. Known as the Henry Clay Oak, this towering white oak stood for centuries — a living monument that connected Raleigh’s past to its present.

According to legend, the Henry Clay Oak first took root in the 1600s, making it one of the oldest living things ever to stand in the city. Beneath its sweeping branches, the story of Raleigh unfolded. It shaded the early plantations that would become downtown, bore witness as Joel Lane sold the first 1,000 acres that formed the city, and stood tall as William Christmas laid out Raleigh’s first city grid.

​

A Presidential Legacy

 

In 1844, the oak became part of national history. While visiting the nearby home of Colonel William Polk, presidential candidate Henry Clay is said to have written his famous “Raleigh Letter” beneath its branches — a defining political moment that helped shape the course of American history.

​

The House Beside the Oak

 

By the late 1800s, the magnificent Heck-Andrews House rose beside the oak. Built in the ornate Second Empire style, its mansard roof and tower became an icon of Raleigh’s Victorian elegance. For generations, the house and the tree stood side by side — one rooted in nature, the other in craftsmanship — both symbols of endurance and beauty.

Though the Henry Clay Oak was lost to time in 1991, its story continues to grow. Before the tree fell, its seedlings were shared across Wake County, planted at historic landmarks and schools so that its legacy would live on. One such descendant still stands today at the historic Page-Walker Hotel in Cary, connecting new generations to Raleigh’s deep roots.

 

A Living Heritage

 

Today, the Henry Clay Oak House honors that enduring spirit. This restored landmark stands as both a gathering place and a reminder of Raleigh’s resilience — a setting where modern celebrations take place beneath the echoes of centuries past.

From weddings and galas to intimate member events, every moment here is part of a continuing story — one that began beneath the shade of a great oak and now flourishes in the heart of a vibrant city.