Harmony Hall

Harmony Hall is the only house of historical significance left standing in Kinston, North Carolina. The site was built in 1772 by Jesse Cobb and his wife, Elizabeth Heritage Cobb, and has served as a residence to prominent historical figures of Lenoir County. Harmony Hall housed the offices of James Glasgow, Secretary of State, until 1781. The State Board of War and other official meetings were held there at this time. During the Revolutionary period, it was owned by Richard Caswell, First Governor of North Carolina after Independence was gained from Great Britain. The house was also the site of a Civil War Hospital, Church Annex, Public Library, and Women's Club building. The house was remodeled around 1790, again in 1835 and the most recent restoration was completed in 1984. The restored house features a large reception room, called the great room, at the center of the first floor with open fireplaces at each end.