Named after Sir Walter Raleigh and founded in 1792, the city was planned as the "unalterable seat of government" for North Carolina. Known as the "City of Oaks," Raleigh was established on land purchased specifically by the state to be used as the state's capital. Laid out in a square grid pattern, the capital city's expansion has only slightly deviated from the original plans.
Preservation is big in Raleigh as the citizens are dedicated to conserving the natural areas found throughout the community. In 1974 a system of public recreational trails was created, including 22 trails covering 34 miles. In 1975, Raleigh was named the first "Green Survival City" in the country.
Raleigh also is well known as a cultural and educational center. The Research Triangle area is 15 miles west via I-40. Pullen Park, next to the North Carolina State University campus via Western Boulevard, has attractions of interest to children, including a 1911 Dentzel carrousel.
The city is the site of an International Festival the first full weekend in October. The celebration features food booths, storytelling, themed cultural exhibits and free long distance phone calls to anywhere in the world!
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