Hey, history buffs. Submit your unofficial historical locations around town.
Have you ever looked at a local spot and thought, “This place deserves to be commemorated?” Our city is full of legendary locations — many of which are indicated by historical markers. Historical markers reveal significant places, streets, neighborhoods, buildings, businesses, and cultural events from the past or present. Think: The giant acorn in City Plaza + The Creamery on Glenwood.
But not all significant areas get the attention they deserve. What about the original Char-grill where the old-school spot got its start? Or Jesse Jones’ legendary house in Historic Oakwood? We want to put these places on the map — literally.
Rules + details
Submit your historic place for a chance to be featured nationwide on our historical marker map. Our favorite submissions will then be featured in our newsletter, where we’ll put it to a vote. Who knows? Maybe it will receive an official historical marker.
Finalists will be selected by our team and announced in our newsletter. These finalists will then go head-to-head in a vote for our readers’ favorite. The winner will be announced later in December. No promises that it will get an actual historical marker, but it will be one in our hearts.
Want to know more about official historical markers around town? Check out some of Raleigh’s iconic landmarks.
The results
The votes are in for the RALtoday historical markers contest. Check out the finalists below, including the contest winner decided by your votes.
Winner: The Rialto
Since 1942, The Rialto has stood in Five Points as a popular spot for movies, live music, and “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” After a stint of uncertainty, the Rialto is under new management and better than ever with a slate of holiday movies, comedy shows, and live music and a swanky blue paint job. The Rialto won our contest with 47% of the vote.
Finalist: Jesse Jones’ Oakwood Halloween House
Scary decorations spill out into the street to strike horror into the hearts of passerbys. Bigger and more horrifying as the years go by. No wonder the neighbor across the street keeps her blinds closed and leaves for the beach.
Finalist: Players Retreat
This legendary NC State watering hole has been around in some form or fashion since 1951, and while its passed through many hands, Players Retreat is still beloved for its casual food, wide beer selection, and always fun atmosphere. Come here on a Wolfpack gameday for unrivaled fandom or at lunch to mingle with all of Raleigh. This is one of Raleigh’s oldest bars + eateries, but the vibe is as fresh as ever.
It doesn’t stop there — we received more submissions than these. Just check out our map of unofficial historical locations — both locally and across the nation.
Voting closes Wednesday, Dec. 11 — so be sure to vote for the historical location you’d love to see recognized for its significance.
