Historical Walking Tour: Glen Royall Mill Village

Join us as we explore a new part of historic Wake Forest every month, including the Wake Forest Historic District, Glen Royall Mill Village, Downtown, the Northeast Community, and the SEBTS campus.

Tours will take place on the fourth Friday of each month unless it corresponds with a holiday weekend.

Explore the Glen Royall Mill Village

On April 28, 2023 at 1 pm we will explore the Glen Royall Mill Village Historic District. The tour will include sites along E. Cedar Ave., Elizabeth Ave., and E. Chestnutt St. Along the way, we will highlight the architectural history of the area and discuss the lives of those who lived and worked in the neighborhood.

The Glen Royall Mill Village Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 27, 1999 and has a period of significance from 1900 to 1949. The Glen Royall Mill Village Historic District covers approximately 45 acres in the northeastern section of the Town of Wake Forest. In 1899, Robert E. Royall, Thomas E. Holding, and William C. Powell incorporated the Royall Cotton Mill to produce cotton muslin. In 1900, the company began building housing for its employees and their families. Tour guides discuss the founding and growth of the Royall Cotton Mill, provide an overview of neighborhood architecture, and provide some insight into the lives of the residents of the village.

Tour Information

Registration

Walking tours are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required.

Meeting Location & Parking

This tour will start at the corner of N. Main St. and E. Cedar Ave. Plan to arrive by 12:50 pm.

Participants may park in either of the museum’s parking lots and walk to the meeting location or find street parking. Parking may also be available at Wake Forest Church of God.

Tour Duration

Tour times vary, but most run about 90 minutes.

Weather

Tours will take place in light rain. In the event of heavy rain or extreme heat, tours will be rescheduled. Registrants will be notified via email. July and August tours will take place inside the Wake Forest Historical Museum to protect participants from heat exhaustion.

Safety

Please be aware of your surroundings while on our walking tours. Most tours involve walking on multiple terrains and you may encounter stairs, sidewalks, cobblestones, pavers, uneven grades, paths, grades, curbs, and grass. Wear suitable footwear and comfortable clothing. Have fun and stay safe.