At 220 years old, after surviving through two wars, 413 hurricanes, and demolition plans to be replaced by a housing development, this house in North Carolina refuses to die, thanks in part to historical activists like Bryan Avery who came together to save and restore this historical home. You can also watch and share this video on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

The Shaw Halfway House is the oldest standing home in Harnett County, and at this point, may eventually be the last one standing. It was originally built as a tavern in 1798, just 22 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, by a Revolutionary War soldier named Daniel Shaw who named it The Shaw Halfway House because it was located exactly halfway between Raleigh and Fayetteville North Carolina. The house became a famous stage stop for people traveling by horse and carriage between the two cities.

The house was left to Daniel's son, Dushee Shaw, in his will in 1829, who lived in the house until April 14, 1839 when he sold the house and 2300 acres to Willis Turlington. Although Willis never lived in the house, the Turlington family ran the stage stop until shortly after the Civil War, during which it was still known as the “Shaw Halfway House”.

The house was later used as a hospital to treat wounded Confederate Soldiers after the Battle of Averasboro in 1865. You can still see etchings on the wall from soldiers who were treated here, who must've somehow known the house would outlast them all.

Many have died here but the house itself lives on. Two years ago the house was at risk of being demolished by the landowners who wanted to parcel off the farm land and sell it to developers. That is until Historian Bryan Avery led a group of volunteer historical activists on a mission to Save The Shaw Halfway House.

They raised $135,000 and bought the parcel which included both the Shaw Halfway House and the Turlington Family Home which they've since renovated into a historical museum. Their plans are to use the land and buildings to create the Harnett History Center and preserve the history of the area for generations to come.

The house was purchased by Averasboro Town Restoration Association, Inc., a 501 (C) (3) non-profit in Dec. 2016. With the help of volunteers and donations, the long process of restoration is underway. You can follow along with the restoration efforts via their Facebook page Save the Shaw Halfway House. You can also help by sending a donation to:

ATRA, INC.
73 Turlington Rd.
Dunn, NC 28334

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Do you love unusual homes?

Me too! You should also check out the videos I made about The Most Beautiful Stone House In The World in Envigado, Colombia, The House Made of Clay in Villa de Leyva, and The House Made of Bottles in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina.

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