See the early home, factories, and farm where Washington Duke first grew and processed tobacco. His sons later founded The American Tobacco Company, the world's largest tobacco company. Duke and others helped create a market for Durham-area tobacco products that eventually would make North Carolina the heart of an international tobacco empire. Many profits were invested in land and industries but others were used for such humanitarian causes as Duke University, named for the family.
Hours and Location
Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday, and most major holidays
2828 Duke Homestead Road
Durham, N.C. 27705
Admission
Admission is free
Donations are appreciated
Guided Tours
There is a tour fee of $2 per adult, and $1 per child (5-12yrs) or senior (65+ yrs).
Tours of the Homestead begin at 15 minutes past the hour from 10:15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. daily.
Tour schedule may change due to special events or staffing. Please call ahead to confirm when tours will happen on a particular day.
To schedule a field trip
Please call at least two weeks in advance of the desired field trip date.
Field trips begin at 10:00 am at the earliest. Field trips are available during the week from Tuesday to Friday.
There is a program fee of $1 per participating student to cover costs which must be paid before the day of the trip.
All programs are for groups of 10 or more students.
Facilities
Historic Structures
Washington Duke’s home (1852) includes four furnished rooms. The well house, smokehouse, reconstructed first tobacco factory, third tobacco factory (1869), tobacco curing barn, and pack house make up the remainder of the homestead.
Visitor Center
The visitor center features the Tobacco Museum containing 5,500 square feet of exhibits on the history of tobacco. The film Legacy of the Golden Leaf also tells the story of tobacco and the Duke family.
Trails/Monuments/Outdoor Exhibit
None
Handicapped Accessibility
The visitor center is accessible to all visitors. There is a one-quarter-mile path (all un-paved: gravel/mulch/dirt) to the historic buildings, which have steps and are accessible with assistance.
Picnic Facilities
Tables are available on the grounds.
Gift Shop
A sales desk, located in the visitor center, has books, toys, and other items related to Duke Homestead and the history of tobacco.
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Programs, Group Activities
Special events throughout the year focus on farm life of the nineteenth century. Hands-on activities are available in the spring for scheduled groups.