Latta Place Historic Site

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    Guide

    Where the Star-Spangled Banner was born: a compact fort with sweeping harbor views and living history. It’s an easy win—flat paths, open lawns, and a visitor film that sets the scene in under 15 minutes.

    Start at the visitor center for your map, then follow the ramp to the east wall for the best harbor vantage. Time your visit for a flag raising or lowering—the ranger talk turns the place into a story you’ll remember.

    For a slower visit, circle the star-shaped ramparts clockwise and watch ships move in and out of the Patapsco.

    FAQ

    What’s new? Updated today
    • Sunset flag lowering 6:30pm (Fri–Sun)
    • Temporary exhibit: War of 1812
    • Harbor shuttle every 20 minutes
    What are the hours? — 9:00–17:00 (daily)

    Hours may vary for holidays and special events; check the official site before you go.

    How much does it cost? — $15 adults · kids free

    Admission covers the fort and visitor center exhibits; special tours may be extra.

    Where do I park? — On-site lot + overflow

    Lots can fill on weekends by mid-day; arrive early or consider rideshare.

    Is it accessible? — Flat paths; accessible restrooms

    Most ramparts have graded access; some historic areas may have uneven surfaces.

    Tips

    • Arrive 30 min before sunset for the lowering ceremony and best light.
    • Wind picks up on the ramparts—bring a light jacket even in summer.
    • Stroller route: enter via visitor center, ramp to east wall loop.
    Add visit

    Latta Place, formerly known as Historic Latta Plantation, Nature Center, & Preserve, is a preserved 19th-century Federal-style estate in Huntersville, offering a rare glimpse into daily life in the antebellum North Carolina Piedmont. Built around 1800, this historic property once functioned as a cotton plantation and now serves as an immersive living history site. The home’s architectural details blend Federal and Georgian styles, with an elegant central staircase and period-accurate furnishings transporting visitors back in time.

    Beyond the main house, the grounds feature reconstructed outbuildings, heritage gardens, and the Ezekiel Alexander Log Home, an 18th-century structure relocated from Charlotte. Guests can explore exhibits and guided tours that delve into the complexities of plantation life, shedding light on the experiences of both enslaved people and landowners. The site’s evolving narrative emphasizes truth, transparency, and transformation, ensuring a more comprehensive and inclusive retelling of history.

    Latta Place is part of the sprawling Latta Nature Preserve, offering miles of trails, wildlife habitats, and access to Mountain Island Lake. The adjacent Carolina Raptor Center provides another unique experience, where visitors can encounter birds of prey up close. Whether you’re drawn to history, nature, or educational programs, Latta Place provides a fascinating, multi-layered journey through the past.

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