The MARC encompasses much more than just our historic 1907 courthouse which houses our archives and most of our exhibits. The MARC historic complex includes the National Historic Registered 1816 Wright Tavern, 1905 Post Office, High Rock Ford Park Revolutionary War site with trails and river access and Troublesome Creek (Ironworks), the site of the first grist mill in the county. Together, these sites serve our mission to protect not only the county's historic but natural resources for the benefit of all.

1907 Courthouse



​Our 40,000+ sq. ft. courthouse building is on the National Register for Historic Places and houses our extensive archive collections and varied exhibits. Inside, it preserves several courtrooms and decorative styles from the original craftsmen. The MARC made a big splash upon opening and continues to push the envelope on historical research and public engagement.

1816 Wright Tavern

Our 1816 Wright Tavern is also on the National Register for Historic Places as the only 2-storey wooden dog-run tavern of this elaborate style in North Carolina. It was the first building of the Rockingham County Historical Society (which would become MARC) and hosts a variety of exhibits and programs, all within the painstakingly restored interiors, period pieces and outbuildings.

1905 Post Office

The old 1905 Post Office now sits adjacent to the 1816 Wright Tavern and is in use as MARC's temporary administrative offices. But that was not always the case. In the early days of the old Rockingham County Courthouse, there used to be several neighbouring buildings and this small wooden building was one of them. Originally used as Wentworth's Post Office, inside it still boasts pigeon holes, lock boxes and the counter from an even earlier 19th century post office building. The building was eventually lifted onto giant wooden rollers and moved several hundred feet to its current location. It also became Humphrey's Law Offices until the Rockingham County Historical Society purchased it along with the Wright Tavern.

High Rock Ford Park

The High Rock Ford Park Historic Site is an important Revolutionary War site. General Nathanael Greene and his army encamped there before the Battle of Guilford Courthouse.  Today, the High Rock Ford Park Historic Site includes 1/4 mile walking trail, gravel parking lot, Haw River paddle access, and educational signage. 

Things to know before you go:

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  • High Rock Ford is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
  • Practice "leave no trace" wilderness ethics.​
  • ​Bring insect spray dependent on what time of the year you may be visiting.
  • If you intend to paddle the Haw, plan ahead and take appropriate safety precautions.
  • High Rock Ford is a historic site; please, do not remove any artifacts, flora or fauna.
  • Lastly, have fun and enjoy nature!

More Information about the Trail:

Troublesome Creek (Ironworks)



​Toublesome Creek, also known as Ironworks, is another important historic site. The first ever gristmill in the county was situated here and there are still remnants of its existance. Currently Ironworks is not easily accessible to the public, but MARC is working on long-term plans to develop the site for public education and egagement.