Historic Sites
Bellamy Mansion © Brownie Harris
Civil War Reenactment
Wilmington, NC · Kure Beach · Carolina Beach · Wrightsville Beach
New Hanover County, North Carolina
National Register of Historic Places
Wilmington, North Carolina and the Cape Fear Coast, part of one of America’s original Thirteen Colonies, have a rich history. History buffs can explore interesting historic sites including those related to Native American Indians; American Revolution also known as the Revolutionary War when the Thirteen Colonies broke from the British Crown (1775-83); Industrial Revolution; Civil War also known as the War Between the States (1861-65); and, World War II (1939-45).
Wilmington NC history is an important part of American history. The City of Wilmington, North Carolina was incorporated in 1741 and named in honor of Spencer Compton, the Earl of Wilmington, before the United States of America was created on July 4, 1776. It is located on the banks of the Cape Fear River, has the largest historic district of any urban area in the state, and reportedly is the third largest in the United States. Wilmington NC is the first American World War II Heritage City in the United States.
The United States Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1776. Three North Carolinians signed the Declaration of Independence. William Hooper, a lawyer from Wilmington, was one of the signers. In 1914, the William Hooper School located on Mears Street between South 4th and South 5th Streets in Wilmington was named in his honor. The William Hooper School listed on the National Register of Historic Places closed in 1984.
Wrightsville Beach was incorporated as a town on March 6, 1899. It is named after Joshua Grainger Wright and the Wright family of Wilmington.
Carolina Beach was incorporated as a town in 1925.
Kure Beach was founded in the early 1900s by Hans Andersen Kure, a native of Denmark. It was incorporated as a town in April 1947.
We respect the perspectives of all individuals in relation to historic sites that should be put in context. The historical sites are provided for educational purposes as part of a comprehensive tourism experience. This page brings you there. Further research placing you back in time will help convey the full import of the location.
Historic Sites
– Wilmington map
1898 Wilmington Race Riot Report
– Wilmington
African American Heritage Wilmington Guide
– Wilmington
African American History at Poplar Grove Plantation
– Wilmington
African American Wilmington History Tour App
– Wilmington
America’s First “World War II Heritage City” – Wilmington, North Carolina
World War II Heritage Guide of Wilmington and Southeastern North Carolina
– Wilmington map
– Wilmington map
– Wilmington map
Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts
– Wilmington map
– Wrightsville Beach map
– Wilmington map
Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens
– Wilmington map
Cape Fear Civil War Shipwreck District
– Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington
Carolina Heights Historic District
– Wilmington
Carolina Place Historic District
– Wilmington
– Wilmington map
– Wilmington map
Federal Building and Courthouse
– Wilmington map
– Carolina Beach map
– Wilmington map
– Wilmington map
– Kure Beach map
Fort Fisher During World War II
– Kure Beach map
– Wilmington map
Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
– Coastal North Carolina map
Hannah Block Historic WWII USO Center Museum
– Wilmington map
Historic Wilmington Foundation Preserved Buildings
– Wilmington map
Historic Wilmington Foundation Downtown Plaque Map
– Wilmington map
William Hooper School (Former)
– Wilmington map
– Wilmington
– Wilmington map
Joy Lee Apartment Building and Annex
– Carolina Beach map
Market Street Mansion District
– Wilmington map
Masonboro Sound Historic District
– Wilmington map
Moores Creek National Battlefield
– Currie map
Mount Lebanon Chapel and Cemetery
– Wrightsville Beach map
Native American Indians – NC American Indian History Timeline – NC Museum of History
Native American Indians – NC Tribal Communities – NC Commission of Indian Affairs
Native American Indians – NC Native Communities – UNC American Indian Center
Native American Indians – Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
– Carolina Beach map
North Carolina – Civil War Battlefield
– Wilmington, New Hanover County, Cape Fear River
– Wilmington map
James D. and Frances Sprunt Cottage
– Wrightsville Beach map
– Wilmington map
– Wilmington map
– Wilmington map
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
– Wilmington map
– Wilmington map
– Wilmington map
– Wrightsboro map
– Wilmington map
– Fort Fisher map
James Walker Nursing School Quarters
– Wilmington map
Westbrook-Ardmore Historic District
– Wilmington map
Wilmington – Civil War Confederate Map
– Wilmington
Wilmington – Civil War Federal Map
– Wilmington
Wilmington – Civil War Federal Blockade
– Cape Fear River, Atlantic Ocean, Wilmington
Wilmington – Civil War Port City
– Wilmington map
Wilmington Historic Shipwreck District
– Wilmington
– Wilmington
– Wilmington map
Wilmington – National Register Historic District
The National Register Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and its area expanded in 2003. It is comprised of 1,070 acres to include approximately 230+ blocks, 875 buildings, 38 sites, and other structures. This historic zone includes residential and commercial buildings that have been part of our nation’s development produced by the local population. See the historic district map here and its inventory list here.
– Downtown Wilmington map State Historic Preservation map
– Wilmington Historic District Highlights map
Wilmington / Port City Architecture – Courtesy of New Hanover County Public Library
– Wilmington
Wilmington Harbor – Courtesy of New Hanover County Public Library
– Wilmington
– Deep Dive –
Wilmington’s Historic District: A Journey Through Time
Embark on a journey through time as you explore Wilmington’s Historic District, a captivating tapestry of history, culture, and maritime charm. From the cobblestone streets lined with grand antebellum mansions to the captivating museums that chronicle the city’s rich past, this district offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of Wilmington from its colonial origins to its modern-day status as a vibrant coastal city.
Wilmington’s Colonial Beginnings
Our story begins in 1733 when English colonists established Wilmington as a trading post along the Cape Fear River. Strategically situated at the confluence of two major waterways, the Cape Fear and the Brunswick, Wilmington quickly emerged as a pivotal hub for trade and commerce, attracting settlers from across the Atlantic and Indigenous peoples from the surrounding region.
Indigenous Heritage: A Legacy of Resilience
Before the arrival of European settlers, the Cape Fear region was home to a vibrant Native American community. These peoples thrived for centuries, cultivating crops, practicing traditions, and stewarding the land. Their legacy lives on in the archaeological sites and cultural exhibits that dot the city, serving as a reminder of their enduring presence and the rich tapestry of Wilmington’s history.
The American Revolution: A Crucible of Freedom
As the winds of revolution swept across the Thirteen Colonies, Wilmington found itself thrust into the heart of the struggle for independence. The city played a crucial role in supplying the Continental Army with goods and men, its harbor bustling with ships carrying provisions and soldiers to support the fight against British rule. Wilmington’s strategic location and unwavering support for the cause of independence made it a target for British forces, and the city endured several sieges and skirmishes during the war.
Industrial Revolution: A New Era of Progress
The 19th century ushered in an era of rapid industrialization for Wilmington, fueled by the expansion of the cotton trade and the arrival of railroads. The city’s riverfront transformed into a bustling hub of shipbuilding and manufacturing, attracting skilled workers and entrepreneurs from across the country. Factories sprang up along the riverbanks, producing textiles, lumber, and other goods, while shipbuilding yards churned out vessels that plied the waterways of the South and beyond.
Civil War: A Nation Divided
The outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 brought turmoil and destruction to Wilmington, as the city became a key strategic point for both the Union and Confederate forces. Its river port, deepwater harbor, and network of railroads made it essential for transporting supplies and troops, and the city was repeatedly targeted for attack. The Battle of Fort Fisher, a pivotal clash in the war, was fought just outside Wilmington in 1865, marking a turning point in the struggle for Southern independence.
World War II: A Global Conflict in Wilmington’s Backyard
As the world plunged into the chaos of World War II, Wilmington found itself once again playing a vital role in the nation’s defense. The city’s shipyards and factories hummed with activity, producing ships, munitions, and other supplies for the Allied forces. Thousands of workers poured into the region, drawn by the promise of employment and the patriotic spirit that gripped the nation. Wilmington’s contributions to the war effort were significant, and the city’s role in supporting the Allied cause cannot be overstated.
Wilmington’s Historic District stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and adaptability, having witnessed and weathered the storms of history. Through its cobblestone streets, grand antebellum mansions, and captivating museums, this district invites visitors to step back in time and explore the rich tapestry of Wilmington’s past. From its colonial beginnings to its role in shaping the course of American history, Wilmington’s Historic District offers a unique and unforgettable journey through time.
Tourist Information
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