Monument Park in Holly Springs in Wake County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Leslie-Alford-Mims House

Circa 1840

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 2, 2023

1. Leslie-Alford-Mims House Marker

Inscription. Originally called Leslie Manor, this distinctive local landmark was built by Archibald Leslie for his bride Isabelle Rogers. The mansion reflects the antebellum prosperity of Holly Springs. Its 38 rooms include a ballroom with a musician's gallery and separate parlors for gentlemen and ladies. A general store, blacksmith shop, brick kiln, turpentine distillery and slave quarters were also on the property. Occupied as head- quarters for Union officers in April 1865, the house was spared damage or looting by the receding troops through the legendary charm of Mrs. Leslie. In 1870s, Col. G. B. Alford acquired the mansion adding the third floor, side wings and widow's walk. This National Register home is a true example of the grandeur of the old south.

Erected by Town of Holly Springs.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.

Location. 35° 39.071′ N, 78° 50.064′ W. Marker is in Holly Springs, North Carolina, in Wake County. It is in Monument Park. Marker is at the intersection of West Center Street and

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Avent Ferry Road, on the left when traveling west on West Center Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 367 W Center St, Holly Springs NC 27540, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Holly Springs School (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Masonic Lodge #115 (about 600 feet away); Holly Springs Elementary School (approx. half a mile away); Bass Lake (approx. 1.8 miles away); Norris-Holland-Hare House (approx. 3 miles away); Varina Commercial Historic District (approx. 4.6 miles away); Varina Supply Company (approx. 4.6 miles away); Dry Goods Store (approx. 4.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Holly Springs.

Regarding Leslie-Alford-Mims House. Excerpt from the National Register nomination:

The Leslie-.Alford-Mims House is an imposing Wake County landmark that evolved over a period of sixty years beginning circa 1840 in the town of Holly Springs, North Carolina. The Greek Revival style is evident in the original block with its hallmark two-story central Doric portico and its refined architectural appointments including original, Asher Benjamin-inspired details. The 1840 residence was built by prominent Holly Springs businessman and tailor, Mr. Archibald Leslie. In 1876, Leslie sold the house to Mr. George Benton Alford; and under Alford's
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 2, 2023

2. Leslie-Alford-Mims House Landmark Plaques
tenure the large Colonial Revival additions of 1876 and 1900 were completed. The Leslie-Alford-Mims House is associated with the productive lives of Archibald Leslie and George Benton Alford, who made substantial contributions to commerce and community development in southern Wake County during much of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The interior and exterior integrity of the house remains remarkably intact and accurately reflects the importance of the builders in the Holly Spring community. In addition to the house, the thirteen-acre nominated property that is the residual portion of an original 180-acre tract, contains a 1923 Confederate memorial, the natural springs for which Holly Springs was named, and possible ante-bellum and post-bellum archeological remains.

Also see . . .
1. Leslie-Alford-Mims House (PDF). National Register nomination for the property, which was listed in 1997. (Prepared by Dan L. Turner; via National Archives) (Submitted on October 4, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. If these Walls Could Talk. Scottish tailor Archibald Leslie built the Leslie-Alford-Mims House for his bride, Isabelle Rogers, whose carved initials you can still see here. (Nancy Pardue, Cary Magazine, Aug. 11, 2016) (Submitted on October 4, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 2, 2023

3. Leslie-Alford-Mims House Marker

The Leslie-Alford-Mims House Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 2, 2023

4. The Leslie-Alford-Mims House Marker

The house is now a wedding cvenue.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 119 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 4, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on October 3, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on October 4, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 4. submitted on October 3, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.