Greensboro Things to Do

Greensboro is most noted historically for a revolutionary war battle where the US forces did not win, but, led by Nathaniel Greene (hence the name of the city) seriously weakened Cornwallis that his army was defeated shortly thereafter. The location of that battle currently is a gorgeous park. There are monuments galore and historical markers telling the story of the events. This part is also a wonderful place to walk, hike, or mountain bike. Its presence near two lakes (also with adjacent trails) is one of the more attractive parts of town.

The other notable, and arguably more important historical event in Greensboro involved sit-ins at a downtown Woolworth's as part of the US civil rights movement. On Feb 1, 1960 four brave NC A&T college students sat at the whites-only counter at Woolworth's and asked to be served. The International Civil Rights Museum is set to open on this location on July 25, 2005. From all accounts, it should be a great museum.

This museum exhibits the history of Greensboro, NC. They also exhibit the history of famous people that were born in Greensboro like short-story writer O. Henry (William Sydney Porter) and former first lady Dolly Madison. You will also like the exhibit of the lunch-counter sit-ins at F.W. Woolworth which was the nation's first major protest against segregation. Free admission

The Guilford Courthouse National Park has over 200 acres of trails and 28 monuments recognizing both the American and British sides who fought here. The battle of the Revolutionary War took place on March 15, 1781 and was led by the British General Cornwallis and the American Rebel leader, Nathaniel Greene. Greene's monument (pictured here) is the most impressive in the park.

Well, this place isn't quite done yet. In fact, the museum and cultural center is set to open in 2007. However, you can come in and see the counter where four North Carolina A&T State University students staged the first sit-in of the the Civil Rights Movement. This brave action started a wave of sit-ins all across the country.
The counter is located in the old art deco-style Woolworth Building in the heart of downtown.

. . . of the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Inside, you'll find a museum with interactive displays and artifacts from the battle. There is also a bookstore a movie room in which they show a 30 minute film that gives you a good historical background about the battle itself.

There are 12 galleries that display the history of the people of the region (the Piedmont). Highlights include an impressive collection of Civil War firearms and a stroll through a historical cemetery.

Downtown Greensboro, especially the clearly marked "cultural district", is worth a quick visit. Here's another picture of the Jefferson Pilot Building and some interesting public art that's in the area. You'll also find some good restaurants, shopping and other historical sites, all within a few blocks of the area around Elm Street.