RALEIGH — State leaders are trying to cash in on some often-overlooked tourist attractions. They have put together a brochure that maps African-American historical sites in North Carolina.

The rich heritage of African Americans in North Carolina is now part of a 64-page brochure bearing the same name.

"I hope they'll take away a great appreciation for how much African-American culture and the community has given to the state of North Carolina, going back 400 years," says Jeffrey Crow, archives and history director.

Historic pictures document the journey and role African Americans have played in North Carolina, from rice fields to the Civil War tothe country's oldest black life insurance companyestablished in 1898 in Durham.

The infamous Woolworth sit-in in Greensborois also documented.

The brochure describes African-American places to visit throughout the state, including several in Raleigh.

Shaw University's Estey Hall is one place featured. It is the oldest building on the historically black college's campus.

Chavis Park is also mentioned as a site to see. It honors the early 19th century African-American preacher and teacher.

The East Raleigh-South Park historic district is named as the largest African-American neighborhood in Raleigh. It covers 48 blocks.

Officials say the brochure will help boost tourism in our state.

"The way people make vacation decisions today is totally different than it used to be," says Gordon Clapp, executive director of theDivision of Tourism. "People want to know what they can see and do when they get to their destination that's going to enrich their lives and their families' lives."

The Division of Tourism, the Department of Cultural Resources, Food Lion, Miller Brewing Company and Philip Morris paid for the brochure.

For a copy of the brochure, call(919) 733-4171.