This pre-Civil War house was the home of Joshua Barnes, known as "the Father of Wilson County". The house was built in 1844 as an addition to a pre-existing Federal style home. Barnes was a wealthy landowner, planter and statesman during the mid-nineteenth century. He was involved in the incorporation of the Town of Wilson, and was instrumental in the formation of the county. He served in the state legislature for many years during the mid 1850s, and was active in the development of schools in Wilson. This house is listed on the National Register due to its association with the development of Wilson County, its association with General Joshua Barnes, and its unique architectural features.

The home maintains the architectural distinctiveness and flavor of the antebellum southern plantation home. The vernacular Greek Revival plantation house is typical of those in eastern North Carolina before the Civil War. The simple three bay façade is capped with a shallow hipped roof and a plain continuous frieze set under boxed eaves. The trabeated door contains remnants of the original cranberry glass which once filled the transom and sidelights, and dates to ca. 1870 when the house was remodeled. The simple hipped roof porch with plain square columns probably also dates after the Civil War. The only documented examples of Federal woodwork in Wilson are found in two interior rooms.

There are nine rooms, six bedrooms, and two baths with a total of seven fireplaces. Included is a front porch, enclosed rear porch, attached storage room, storage building and a garage/shop area.  While looking at the photos, you will note a second home that is adjacent to the property that can be purchased for an additional cost.  The house is livable and ready for a new owner today!

Wilson is a quaint Southern town with a population of 50,000. Wilson's location is forty minutes to Raleigh, an hour to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, two hours to the beach, and five hours to the mountains.