Old West Durham began as Pin Hook, a traveler's rest stop about a mile west of downtown. In spite of the dirt and noise from the railroad, people gradually settled there because it was easy to get to and from downtown. 

The area grew in the 1880s, and by the early 1890s a number of Durham's prosperous businessmen had built houses there. Others, such as Benjamin N. Duke and George W. Watts, invested in the Erwin Cotton Mills built there in 1892. Many early residents were merchants who developed the business district along Ninth Street.

Homes in the neighborhood range from early mill houses to far grander structures. Young families are increasingly buying and renovating the historic homes, drawn by the neighborhood’s charm. Much of it lies in a National Registry Historic District.

Partner school E.K. Powe Elementary is in Old West Durham.

For more information about Old West Durham, visit their website.

Click here to read about neighborhood priorities.

 

Click here for a printable detailed map of our partner neighborhoods.