Our Heritage
Come Visit Us
Milton is the northernmost point of the Colonial Heritage Byway. Incorporated in 1796, the town of Milton was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The town of Milton is probably most notable for being the home of Thomas Day, a free Black man who was a renowned cabinetmaker. Day had a workshop and residence in the historic Union Tavern building that has been recently purchased by the State of North Carolina to be its next state Historic Site.
Thomas Day House &
Union Tavern
148 NC-57, Milton, NC
Thomas Day was a master cabinetmaker and entrepreneur whose business flourished during a time when most African Americans
were enslaved and free blacks were restricted in their movements and activities. During the antebellum years (1820–1861), North Carolina planters used both classical architecture and fine furniture to convey economic status and gentility. Day, whose father was a cabinetmaker, opened his shop in 1827 in Milton, North Carolina, where he created fine furniture and architectural interiors for an elite clientele.
Day’s style is characterized by undulating shapes, fluid lines, and spiraling forms. He combined his own unique motifs with popular designs to create a distinctive style readily identified with his shop. Day is the only documented American cabinetmaker to offer clients both architectural elements for their Greek Revival homes and furniture incorporating the same classical motifs.
To date, woodwork in about eighty homes in rural North Carolina and Virginia has been attributed to Day.” – from the Smithsonian website https://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/day. The Thomas Day Board will now be known as ‘Friends of TDH/UT and Milton’.
Milton Historic District
Downtown Milton
Milton Historic District is a national historic district located at Milton, Caswell County, North Carolina. The district includes notable examples of Federal and Greek Revival style architecture. In addition to the separately listed Milton State Bank and Union Tavern, other notable buildings include historic homesites, shops
(Commercial Row) and several historic churches. Fittings in the Presbyterian Church and Baptist Meeting House (Milton Baptist Church) are attributed to noted African- American cabinetmaker Thomas Day. Private Historic Homes Tour (homes listed by historical names only that have Historic Sign Markers are scattered throughout the National Historic District and can be seen and read by foot or vehicle.
Milton State Bank
169 Broad Street, Milton, NC 27305
Built c. 1860 as a residence for Jasper and Rebecca Fleming, and as a branch of the Bank of the State of North Carolina. Due to economic downturns and failures, the building later housed Merchants and Planters Bank and the Bank of Caswell, all while a Fleming residence. The Bank permanently failed in 1914 when Cashier E. Hines, Jr., embezzled over $16,000. The residence was last home to Ola Walker, who died in 1980, leaving what was known as The Milton State Bank in grave disrepair until 2012 when purchased by the late Honorable James M. Long and Catherine Long. Following restoration, in 2017 the
Bank was leased by Milton Renaissance Foundation to house the Museum of Milton. In June 2023, the property was sold to the State of North Carolina for future incorporation into The Thomas Day State Historic Site. In the interim, the site will continue to be the primary location of the Museum of Milton.
Commercial Row
Downtown Milton
Commercial Row is the main collection of restaurants and shops such as:
-
Milltown Pub and Eatery
-
Aunt Millies Pizza
-
Samantha’s Grill
-
Milton Art Studio/Gallery
-
Several Antique Stores
The Milton Museum
169 Broad Street, Milton, NC 27305
Organized and curated by Milton Renaissance Foundation, this museum is currently primarily located in the “Old Milton State Bank,” at 169 Broad Street. It’s mission is stated “to preserve and communicate the Historical Narrative of the Town of Milton, NC, established in 1796, through display, archival and preservation of artifacts, and through educational and cultural programming.” What was once a booming tobacco town and commercial center, Milton’s history will capture your heart as you walk through the rooms of the museum and learn of the influential people who not only made their mark on Caswell County, but on North Carolina as well. Call 336-583-8203 to confirm a visit most anytime.
Historic Cedars Cemetery
Additional information coming soon.
The Jean Bradsher Scott Renaissance Center & Museum Annex
169 Broad Street, Milton, NC 27305
Located at 11928 Academy Street, at Milton’s only stoplight where NC Highways 57 and 62 intersect, the 1890 Historic Christ Church is an architectural small-town wonder in Carpenter Gothic style, a style commonly used for early Episcopal churches. Operated by and currently undergoing a long-term restoration by Milton Renaissance Foundation, the space is ideal for lectures and programming presented by the Museum of Milton as well as a museum annex. The building is named in honor of the late Jean Bradsher Scott, who through her newspaper columns and book, both titled “Milton Memories,” endeared her to Caswellians who appreciated her memories as well as her historical recollect. The church was reportedly built by a one-time carpenter apprentice of Thomas Day. Call 336- 583-8203 to schedule a viewing or keep up to date with any upcoming events through Milton Renaissance Foundation’s Facebook page or through The Caswell Messenger.
The Claude Allen Plug Tobacco Factory
The Claude Allen Plug Tobacco Factory is Milton’s only remaining structure hailing back to Milton’s “Tobacco Town” days. Research has indicated what stands today is likely a remnant of what had been a 2 1/2 story factory site. Having received grant funding to begin restoration efforts, the building has now been saved from collapse. Plans are to continue work until the factory is a museum site, displaying the workings of a mid-to-late-nineteenth-century plug factory.
The Milton Heritage Greenway & Walking Trail
124 Liberty Street
Though less than 1000 feet, the trail follows old wagon roads, running through what was once Milton’s tobacco district. Ten historical markers indicate the location of the old commercial sites. The space truly lives up to Milton’s nickname, “A Museum Without Walls.”
The trail’s main entrance is located at 124 Liberty Street, but may also be accessed from Broad Street at “Lea’s Alley,” in between Milton 66 and Milltown Eatery, just a few steps away from Aunt Millie’s. The greenway is designated as an ecoEXPLORE site for kids, a program developed by the North Carolina Arboretum. The trail is open dawn to dusk. Pets are welcome but required to be on a leash.
Nearby Attractions
-
VIR (Virginia International Raceway)
-
Hyco Lake
-
Ceasars Casino (opening date tbd…Danville, VA)
-
Yanceyville Arboretum
-
Richmond Miles Museum
-
Historic Courthouse (1861)
-
Veterans Memorial
Come Visit Us
The Town of Milton has a rich history that we're proud to share with visitors. Our historic downtown district is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions that showcase our town's heritage and charm. Whether you're interested in taking a guided tour, attending a local event, or simply strolling through our streets, there's something for everyone to enjoy. If you're interested in learning more about our town, come visit us!