The McLauchlin-McFadyen House sits on five acres and includes an emergency services building, dollhouse, one-room school house and country store – as well as a museum that holds historical artifacts, photographs and genealogies of Raeford-Hoke County.

Hoke County offers an idyllic small-town experience just south of Fort Bragg. Experience rural living surrounded by fragrant Carolina pine forests and fertile fields.

The McLauchlin-McFadyen House

The McLauchlin-McFadyen House is an iconic example of neoclassical revival architecture, located on five acres. Additionally, visitors can visit its museum grounds which house an antique fire truck from 1921 as well as emergency equipment, an 1879 one-room schoolhouse, country store and house dedicated to antique doll display. Its mission is to increase public awareness while simultaneously preserving Raeford and Hoke County history, culture and artifacts for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Three years ago, when Joyce Monroe, curator of the museum, mentioned her need for more space, Richard Neeley offered to donate his barn.

Buildings in this district reflect architectural styles and forms prevalent in south-central North Carolina during the 1910s and 1920s when Hoke County was created from Cumberland and Robeson counties by state legislators. Johnson-Thomas drug stores feature cornices divided by pilasters into recessed panels while Farmers Furnishing Company building features an eye-catching peaked metal roof hood and facade.

The Parker-Ray House

Raeford-Hoke Museum, a non-profit organization, strives to preserve the history, culture and artifacts of Hoke County through preservation, documentation and exhibition. Situated at 111 South Highland Street in Raleigh, this facility houses various historical artifacts and photographs that document this region’s past.

Three years ago, Joyce Monroe, former curator of the museum, and Richard Neeley were talking casually when Neeley mentioned having an old barn he didn’t wish to tear down on his property. From there came the idea of adding the Parker-Ray House at the museum.

Neeley graciously donated both his barn and house to the museum. Louis and Willa Ray built the house in 1899; at that time they resided in Cumberland County (an area which later became Hoke County in 1911). Over time it became abandoned and overgrown with vegetation.

The Firehouse

The Firehouse on the grounds of the museum was constructed during the late 19th century and contains emergency and farming equipment as well as a 1921 fire truck. This structure honors Billie Williams who owned Southmoore Heating and Cooling as well as her husband Jim Williams who served his community as a local fireman.

Hoke County in southern North Carolina provides an idyllic respite from modern life. Famous for its picturesque beauty and friendly locals, this area offers something for everyone; historical artifacts to family-oriented activities are among some of the top things to do here. Here are a few top things to do in Raeford.

Raeford is a small town, making transportation simple. Most residents drive, though bus services are also available. Raeford boasts an intriguing history that has been passed down through generations; you’ll want to visit some iconic structures such as McLauchlin-McFadyen House, Parker Ray House, and Firehouse during your stay.

The Doll House

Built in 1905, this museum opened as a museum in 2002. Set on five acres, its facilities include a building housing a 1921 fire truck and emergency equipment as well as several houses filled with antique dolls, one-room schoolhouse, smokehouse, and country store – among many other things. The mission of the museum is to increase public awareness while also preserving Raeford-Hoke County history, culture, and artifacts for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Raeford is an intimate community nestled into North Carolina’s famed Sandhills and offers easy, everyday access to Fort Bragg. Majestic oak trees draped with magnolia blooms line tranquil streets while fragrant pine forests, rich fields and sprawling farms create an authentic southern experience.

At Hometown Christmas, attendees can experience all that this beautiful city has to offer. Hay rides and watching students from local schools sing holiday carols provide attendees with an incredible sense of wonderment while a local chef shares his knowledge on homemade cooking in an impressive demonstration.

The School House

The School House at the five-acre museum property opened its doors for business in 2002. It houses historical artifacts and photographs related to Raeford and Hoke County as well as featuring an 1891 fire engine with all necessary emergency equipment, an antique doll store, a one-room schoolhouse and country store.

The school follows the principles of Montessori, Reggio Emilia and project-based learning; state standards are integrated. Furthermore, students benefit from American Emergent Curriculum that encourages children to explore on their own, such as self-directed activities. Teachers focus on building character in children through teaching values such as kindness, empathy and problem solving.

Raeford is an ideal travel destination during spring and fall when temperatures are milder, when visitors can enjoy beautiful scenic views as well as events such as the North Carolina Turkey Festival. Additionally, Raeford boasts several world-class golf courses nearby for golf enthusiasts to visit and play on.

The Country Store

The Country Store at Raeford-Hoke Museum was established to enhance public awareness of local history and culture, preserve historic artifacts and provide community education. Tours are available of both McLauchlin-McFadyen Houses (built 1845-1846) as well as numerous structures on property; tours are free; however donations are accepted.

Raeford is located in North Carolina’s Sandhills region and was founded by promoters of the New South movement to liberate it from an antebellum dependence on volatile cash crops and slavery. Today, among fragrant Carolina pine forests and majestic magnolia trees lies Raeford with a strong tradition of hard work, loyalty, and family values that still remains strong today.

Fort Bragg and Pinehurst offer world-renowned golf courses. Residents enjoy low crime rates and reasonable costs of living as well as access to an abundance of restaurants, museums, theaters and historical sites nearby.