America at 250: Told in Winston‑Salem

One city. Every era.
As the U.S. marks its 250th birthday in 2026, Winston-Salem offers a one-of-a-kind way to walk through the nation’s story—era by era. Here, vivid, authentic experiences bring every chapter to life, from frontier roots and revolutionary ideals to innovation and creative renaissance.  From Colonial America to the Gilded Age to Civil Rights triumphs to today, 250 years of history come alive in Winston-Salem. 

Here's a sample itinerary:

Colonial Era & American Revolution (1750s–1790s)

• Old Salem Museums & Gardens – Restored Moravian town; costumed interpreters, tradesmen, gardens, and site of first July 4th celebration.
• Historic Bethabara Park – South’s first Moravian settlement; ruins, reconstructions, oldest medicinal garden in the U.S.

Early South, Civil War & Reconstruction (1820s–1870s)

• MESDA – Pre-Civil War Southern decorative arts, including works by enslaved artisans at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA).
• Shotgun House Legacy Site – Preserves history of Winston-Salem’s first planned Black community, Happy Hill.

Gilded Age & Industrialization (1870s–1900s)

• West End Historic District – Grand tobacco-era homes from the Gilded Age, ghost tours, boutique shops, and cafés.
• Körner’s Folly – 1880 “strangest house in America” in nearby Kernersville, a Gilded Age marvel.

Progressive Era & Modernization (1900s–1920s)

• Reynolda – Estate, gardens, art, and stories of wellness and reform in the former home of tobacco baron RJ Reynolds
• MUSE Winston-Salem – New museum exploring civic and industrial change (opening mid-2026).

Roaring ’20s & Prohibition (1920s)

• Reynolds Building – 1929 Art Deco icon that inspired the Empire State Building, now a Kimpton Hotel and home to the now home to a French eatery, The Katharine
• Graylyn Estate – 1920s-era castle-like hotel with tours and dining that's open to all; routinely named one of America’s top boutique inns.
• Broad Branch Distillery – Modern spirits rooted in Prohibition-era moonshine traditions.

Great Depression & New Deal (1930s)

• Hanging Rock State Park – CCC-built park built during New Deal; with waterfalls, scenic trails, and unbeatable views.
• Bowman Gray Stadium – WPA-era track turned motorsports icon; home to NASCAR's Clash and Saturday night races April-September
• Krispy Kreme – Founded here in 1937 during the height of the Depression; flagship shop still serving hot doughnuts.

Civil Rights Era (1950s–1970s)

• Heritage Tours – Uniquely immersive African-American Heritage Tour; guided experiences at sit-in sites, churches, and Civil Rights landmarks.
• Delta Arts Center – African American cultural hub with exhibits and performances; founded in the height of the Civil Rights era.
• Public Art Walk – Murals celebrating Black heritage and historic neighborhoods, all within our walkable Downtown Arts District.

Creative Economy & Innovation (2000s–Today)

• Innovation Quarter – Once tobacco factories, this 330-acre district now pulses with innovation, creativity, and connection; all in the heart of downtown.
• Kaleideum Museum – Five-story downtown museum, blending STEM concepts of science, art, and play; reflecting the city's innovative spirit.
• Downtown Arts District – Galleries, murals, shops, restaurants, and monthly Art Crush block party.

This story was compiled and written by our Media and Public Relations team to promote story ideas for travel writers, bloggers, influencers, and content creators.

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