The Burwell School in Hillsborough offers a fascinating view of the history of antebellum and Civil War residents. The house (c. 1821, 1848) and outbuildings served as the Rev. and Mrs. Burwell’s Female School from 1837 to 1857. This was also the workplace of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly, a Burwell family slave who later purchased her freedom and became a prominent businesswoman and activist in Washington, DC, as well as the confidant and dressmaker to First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.

The site offers free guided tours Wednesday - Friday at 1 pm and "on demand" on Saturday and Sunday. You'll find on-going self-guided tours, a variety of cultural events, and engaging and innovative heritage education programs for school groups, Girl Scouts, and adults.

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Local Information

Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau

Orange County (2.13 miles)

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