Our Heritage
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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 noted for being the home of Thomas Day, a Free Person of Color who was a regionally renowned 19th Century cabinetmaker. Day had a workshop and residence in the historic Union Tavern building that has been recently purchased by the State of North Carolina as a State Historic Site.
The Thomas Day State Historic Site
148 NC-57, Milton, NC
The building formerly known as the Thomas Day House/Union Tavern, has officially become the Thomas Day State Historic Site, North Carolina's newest. Currently open Tuesday-Saturday.
Thomas Day was a master cabinetmaker and entrepreneur whose business flourished during a time when most African Americans
were enslaved and Free Blacks and Free Persons of Color 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 structure suffered immense damage in a fire in 1989. At that time, The Thomas Day House/Union Tavern Restoration, Inc., began the initial restoration, maintaining the property until ownership was transferred to the State of North Carolina in 2023.
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 as part of the Thomas Day State Historic Site. As of January 2026, the Museum of Milton has closed at this location and the old Bank is being prepared to be the Visitors Center for the State Historic Site.
Commercial Row
Downtown Milton
Commercial Row is the Victorian-Era strip of brick buildings which contains:
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Aunt Millie's Pizza
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Carolina Vintage Co.
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Milton Art Studio/Gallery
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Milltown Eatery & Saloon
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Londyn Event Center
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However, Milton has enjoyed a business boom and the Commercial District has expanded to include:
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Samantha's Hometown Grill
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Milton 66
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Chef OBs Cafe & Catering
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All in the Family Grill
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Milton General Store
Museum of Milton
Organized and curated by Milton Renaissance Foundation, this museum recently closed at the Milton State Bank location, and is currently raising funding in order topen on Commercial Row. 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.” While a museum site is temporarily closed, Milton Renaissance continues to work towards its mission and projects. Call 336-583-8203 for more information.
Historic Cedars Cemetery
Once known as the Town Burying Grounds, this beautiful Cemetery Site holds many of Milton's 19th Century residents, and includes an African American section, where recent work has revealed a significant number of unmarked fieldstones. The Woman's Club of Milton owns the site, and gifts and grants helped spur initial restoration efforts by Friends of Cedars Cemetery.
The Jean Bradsher Scott Renaissance Center & Museum Annex
11928 Acacemy Street, Milton, NC 27305
Current Site of Town Public Meetings, this historic structure is located 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
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Virginia International Raceway, Alton, VA
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Hyco Lake, Semora NC
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Country Line Creek Campground & General Store, at Milton Town Limits at Country Line Creek Bridge
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Caesars Casino, Danville VA
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Caswell Community Arboretum, Yanceyville NC (Pictured)
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Richmond Miles Museum, Yanceyville NC
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Historic Courthouse (1861) Yanceyville NC
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Veterans Memorial, Yanceyville, NC
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!