By: Ms Jheri Worldwide
Staff Writer
Embark on another adventure with The Carolinian as we continue our ‘A Day In...’ series, designed to guide you through the diverse and welcoming cities of North Carolina and beyond. Our journey resumes in Little Washington, where we’ll highlight the restaurants, historic landmarks, and local businesses that make this town a treasure. Consider this your ongoing guide to exploring the best of our state.
The Hackney - Culinary Innovation in Little Washington, NC
Stepping into The Hackney, Little Washington’s newest culinary gem, is like stepping into a living history book. The restaurant, housed in the beautifully restored First National Bank building, exudes an Art Deco elegance that speaks to the town’s rich past. But The Hackney is more than just a beautiful space; it’s a testament to the vision of its owner and the culinary artistry of its chef Jamie Davis. “Washington has always had a lot of great characters and interesting history,” owner Susanne Hackney shared, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she recounted her family’s deep roots in the town. “My great grandparents lived across the street from each other on Mark Street, and their homes were always filled with people, not just family, but townspeople. My great grandmother would make food, and everyone would come in and out. The town has always been a very welcoming place.”
This sense of history, community, and hospitality is palpable inside The Hackney. The building itself, constructed between 1918 and 1922 and opened as a bank in 1922, has witnessed the town’s evolution. From its days as a bank to its stint as a multi-use building housing dentist offices, doctor’s offices, and even a radio station, the structure has served as a cornerstone of Washington, NC. “When we bought the building in 2016, it had been left empty for about ten years,” the owner recalled. “The roofs were gone, and it was in really sad shape. But we wanted to bring it back to its original glory and add some pretty décor.” They did just that employing local designers, the restoration is a testament to the owner’s commitment to preserving the building’s historical integrity. The Art Deco features, including the tall ceilings, paneling, and symmetrical lines, have been meticulously preserved, while the furniture, all made in North Carolina, adds a touch of modern elegance.
The Hackney’s appeal extends beyond its stunning architecture and design. The restaurant’s menu, crafted by a talented James Beard-nominated executive chef, Jamie Davis, is a culinary masterpiece. “We did it as a team rather than just build something and then try to get people in and out. That’s not what I wanted to do. I wanted to help somebody be great, to be honest, who was ready to be great.”
That vision has been realized in the restaurant’s menu, which features innovative dishes that showcase Chef Jamie’s creativity and skill. The grit croutons are a delicious example of the innovation, they truly took me over the edge. A warm and flavorful addition to the locally sourced Caesar salad, the grit crouton alone, I found to be award-winning.
Beyond the food, The Hackney also boasts a distillery, a passion project of the owner and her team. The distillery produces a range of gins, including the popular 1000 Piers gin, as well as seasonal offerings like cranberry and Christmas flavored gins. “We worked on the recipe for our original 1000 Piers gin for about three years,” the owner shared. The result is a collection of gins that are as unique and flavorful as the restaurant itself.
The Hackney is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. It’s a place where history, hospitality, and culinary innovation come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Little Washington, or as Chef Jamie calls it ‘the original Washington,’ The Hackney is a must-visit destination. “We’re excited about the future of Hackney,” Susanne shared. “We’re committed to creating a place where people can come together to enjoy good food, good drinks, and good company.”
The Hackney is pure elevated Americana, with soulful flavors and a warm environment. The historic preservation guidelines have ensured that the original hallways and door facades will be maintained, adding to the unique charm of the building. Delicious and inspiring, The Hackey displays the power of vision, passion, and community. It’s a place where the past meets the present, and where every meal is a celebration of North Carolina heritage and local flavor.
Underground Railroad Museum
Great things often come in small packages, and that’s certainly true of the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum. This powerful learning space is a testament to resilience and freedom, nestled in the heart of Little Washington, North Carolina. The train car is an example of the power of community. A collaborative effort was empowered by the local Rotary Club funding the crucial paint and restoration, while the city generously donated the historic train car that now houses this vital piece of history.
The museum’s journey began with a determined vision, walking tours highlighting Black history in the area. In 2014, founder Leesa Jones, alongside her husband Milton, sought to have the site recognized by the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom. “They didn’t want to hear what my grandmother told me, they wanted proof,” Jones explained. “We used primary source documents in all our research. We had a dedication in six months.” This dedication to historical accuracy and community engagement has propelled the museum’s success.
Washington, North Carolina, strategically situated on the banks of the Tar River and Pamlico Sound, played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad. The river, stretching hundreds of miles of navigable water, served as a crucial escape route. As the second largest port in North Carolina after Wilmington, Washington became a “freedom seeker paradise.”
The area’s history is deeply intertwined with the institution of slavery. With approximately 140 plantations in the vicinity, including the sprawling Elmwood Plantation, built circa 1820 entirely by enslaved labor, the town bore witness to the stark realities of the era. Elmwood, at its height, held 119 enslaved individuals. Washington at one time hosted four slave markets and was surrounded by vast stretches of woods, providing both opportunity and danger for those seeking freedom. “It could take up to 10 people to get you on a ship,” Jones explained, highlighting the collaborative nature of the Underground Railroad. “Literally, people helping people. Abolitionists were all colors.” From its humble beginnings as a walking tour, the museum has now welcomed visitors from all 50 states and 47 countries. “Give us the dignity of telling our stories, our history,” Jones implores, emphasizing the importance of preserving and sharing these crucial narratives.
The museum’s exhibits shed light on the bravery of individuals like Sarah Keys, who challenged segregation on interstate bus travel, and Hull Anderson, who purchased his own freedom and became a successful international businessman. Visitors can also learn about the contributions of key figures in the abolitionist movement, including Thomas Garrett, known for providing shoes to fleeing slaves, Thomas Welch the grape farmer, Benjamin Lundy, William Still, and the courageous “Black Jacks.”
The museum also notes the historical significance of Booker T. Washington’s 1910, visit in Wilmington, North Carolina, connecting the struggles of the past to the ongoing pursuit of equality.
The Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring fight for freedom. It’s a testament to the power of community, and a vital resource for understanding a crucial chapter in American history.
