FREMONT (Jan. 24, 2008)— A fire of unknown origin broke out at about 4 a.m. this morning and damaged the 19th century Aycock family house at the Charles B. Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site in Fremont. Because of the rapid response of the local area fire departments, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and the effectiveness of the site’s alarm system, the fire was confined to the main house.
Until a comprehensive assessment can be made to the historic structure and the collections within the house, the site will remain temporarily closed to the public.
In 1859, Charles B. Aycock was born into a simple, rural home that still stands at the state historic site. After being elected governor in 1900, he dedicated his life to improving public education in North Carolina. An 1893 one-room schoolhouse, moved to the site, underscores Aycock’s commitment to education. This typical 19th-century family farm includes the main house, separate open-hearth kitchen, corn crib and smokehouses.
The state historic site’s mission is to preserve and interpret the birthplace and history of Charles B. Aycock, emphasizing his contributions to public education in North Carolina.
To reach the site, take U.S. 117 north nine miles from Goldsboro or U.S. 117 south 14 miles from Wilson. Turn right (from Goldsboro) or left (from Wilson) on Gov. Aycock Road. The site is 1-1/2 miles on the right. From Interstate 95 take the U.S. 301 exit at Kenly. Take N.C. 222 east for 10 miles to Fremont and turn right (south) on U.S. 117. Go two miles and turn left on Governor Aycock Road.
For more information on the fire, contact Leigh Strickland at the site (919) 242-5581. Administered by the Division of State Historic Sites, Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site is part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, a state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history, and culture. Join the Cultural Resources 2008 theme observance of “Telling Our Stories.” For more information, visit www.ncculture.com.