Wilmington history

The history of Wilmington dates back to the 1720s, when European colonists began settling lands along the Cape Fear River. The city was officially founded in 1739. Initially, this settlement changed several names, including Newton and New Liverpool, but was soon renamed Wilmington in honour of Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, who was a patron of the Governor of North Carolina and held a high position in the British government.

Wilmington owes its rapid growth and prosperity to its strategic location. Situated on the Cape Fear River, it became a crucial port city in colonial North Carolina. The river served as a convenient transport corridor for exporting goods from the interior regions, transforming the city into a major centre of trade. Timber and so-called "naval stores"—resin, tar, and turpentine—were particularly valued, being vital for the thriving shipbuilding industry of that era.

By the 18th century, Wilmington had evolved into a bustling economic and social hub. Its status as a key port attracted merchants, artisans, and sailors from around the world, contributing to the formation of a dynamic urban life. Thanks to flourishing trade, a wealthy merchant class emerged here, building elegant mansions, many of which still adorn the historic city centre. Wilmington also became an important political centre of the colony, playing a notable role in events preceding the American Revolution.

Key Dates in the History of Wilmington

• 1739 — Official founding of the city and its naming in honour of Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington.
• 1781 — During the War of Independence, the city was occupied by British troops under the command of General Cornwallis.
• 1840 — Completion of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, the longest in the world at that time, which significantly strengthened the city's status as a major trading port.
• 1865 — The fall of Fort Fisher and the subsequent capture of Wilmington by Union forces became one of the key events that hastened the end of the Civil War.
• 1898 — A coup d'état occurred, known as the Wilmington Massacre, during which the legally elected interracial government was overthrown.
• 1941 — The North Carolina Shipbuilding Company opened, building 243 ships during the years of World War II.
• 1947 — The University of North Carolina Wilmington was founded, becoming an important educational centre for the region.
• 1971 — Racial unrest occurred, leading to the controversial trial of the "Wilmington Ten".
• 1984 — The opening of a major film studio marked the beginning of Wilmington's transformation into one of the centres of film and television production on the East Coast of the USA.
• 2020 — Wilmington became the first city in the USA to receive the official status of an "American World War II Heritage City".

Key Stages of Wilmington's Development

The history of Wilmington is a story of transformations, during which the city repeatedly changed its economic and cultural appearance. From a crucial colonial port to a shipbuilding centre and the "Hollywood of the East"—here are the main milestones that defined its modern character.

• Establishment as a Major Port (18th–19th Centuries)
  From its very foundation, Wilmington developed as the key seaport of North Carolina. Its location on the Cape Fear River ensured the convenient export of timber, resin, and turpentine needed for shipbuilding. This laid the foundation for the city's economic prosperity for many decades.
• Construction of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad (1840)
  The opening of this railway line, which was the longest in the world at the time of construction (259 km), became a true revolution for the city. The railway connected the port with the interior regions of the state and further with the north of the country, multiplying trade volumes and strengthening Wilmington's status as the largest economic centre of North Carolina.
• Era of Shipbuilding in World War II (1941–1946)
  The creation of the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company radically changed the city. During the war years, 243 cargo vessels were built here, including the famous "Liberty Ships". The shipyard attracted thousands of workers, leading to rapid population growth from 33,000 to 50,000 people and turning Wilmington into an industrial centre.
• Founding of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (1947)
  The appearance of a major university became a turning point in the cultural and social development of the city. The educational institution not only turned Wilmington into an important educational hub for the region but also contributed to the development of knowledge-intensive industries and the training of qualified personnel for the new economy.
• Transformation into a Film Production Centre (from the 1980s)
  With the opening of a major film studio in 1984, known then as DEG Film Studios, Wilmington began its journey to fame as "Hollywood East" or "Wilmywood". The city became a popular location for filming hundreds of movies and television series, creating thousands of jobs and forming a new, creative image for Wilmington.

The architectural appearance of Wilmington is a picturesque reflection of its rich history, from a colonial port city to a thriving centre of the Victorian era. Strolling through its streets, one can trace the succession of eras and styles that formed the unique atmosphere of the city. The National Register Historic District stands out particularly, covering more than 230 blocks and known as one of the largest in the USA.

Colonial and Antebellum Periods (18th – Early 19th Centuries)

Early Wilmington architecture is closely tied to its status as an important port. During this period, Georgian and Federal styles, characteristic of British colonies, dominated. Buildings were constructed with an emphasis on symmetry, strict proportions, and restrained decor. A prime example of this era is the Burgwin-Wright House (1770), a beautifully preserved specimen of Georgian architecture. Also in the historic centre, one can find many buildings in the Federal style, distinguished by greater lightness and elegance.

Victorian Prosperity (Mid and Late 19th Century)

Wilmington's economic flourishing in the 19th century, associated with trade and railway development, was reflected in luxurious Victorian architecture. This period is represented by a variety of styles:

• Italianate: This style, inspired by Italian villas of the Renaissance, is characterised by low roofs, wide eaves with decorative brackets, and arched windows. One of the most majestic examples is the Bellamy Mansion (1861)—a magnificent building featuring elements of Greek Revival and Italianate styles.
• Queen Anne Style: Very popular in the late 19th century, this style is easily recognised by asymmetrical facades, towers and turrets, bay windows, carved wooden details, and spacious verandas. Many such houses adorn the historic streets of Wilmington.
• Second Empire: Recognisable by characteristic mansard roofs, this style lent buildings monumentality and grandeur, imitating the Parisian architecture of that time.

20th Century and Modernity

In the early 20th century, Colonial Revival and American Craftsman (Bungalow) styles gained popularity in Wilmington, offering simpler and more functional solutions compared to Victorian opulence. Post-war development and the city's growth as a film production centre led to the appearance of modern buildings and residential complexes. However, the city carefully preserves its architectural heritage: many historic buildings, such as The Cotton Exchange, have been renovated and transformed into shopping and public spaces, blending harmoniously into the modern life of Wilmington. The Wilmington Riverwalk successfully combines historic structures with modern infrastructure for leisure and recreation.

Michael Jordan

Role: Basketball player, entrepreneur. Historical Significance: Michael Jordan, who moved to Wilmington as a child, is considered the greatest basketball player of all time. His career with the Chicago Bulls, six NBA championship titles, and global influence on sports and pop culture have made him a worldwide icon. Although he was not born in Wilmington, it was here that he spent his school years, laying the foundation for his future legendary career.

David Brinkley

Role: Television journalist, anchor. Historical Significance: A native of Wilmington, David Brinkley was one of the pioneers of American television news. He became famous as the co-anchor of "The Huntley-Brinkley Report" on NBC, which changed the format of evening news. His insightful and often wry style of commenting on political events set a new standard in broadcast journalism for several decades.

Charlie Daniels

Role: Musician, singer, songwriter. Historical Significance: Born in Wilmington, Charlie Daniels was an influential figure in the world of country, Southern rock, and bluegrass. His most famous song, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia", became an international hit and earned him a Grammy Award. Throughout his long career, he was known for his virtuoso fiddle and guitar playing, as well as his patriotic image.

Anna McNeill Whistler

Role: Historical figure. Historical Significance: Anna McNeill Whistler, born in Wilmington, entered art history as the model for her son James Whistler's famous painting "Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1", better known as "Whistler's Mother". The painting became one of the most recognisable works of American art and a symbol of maternal devotion.

Althea Gibson

Role: Tennis player, golfer. Historical Significance: Althea Gibson, who spent part of her youth in Wilmington, was the first African American female athlete to cross the colour line in international tennis. In the 1950s, she won 11 Grand Slam tournaments, including Wimbledon and the US Open, paving the way for future generations of Black athletes in this sport.

Sugar Ray Leonard

Role: Boxer. Historical Significance: One of the greatest boxers in history, Sugar Ray Leonard was born in Wilmington. He became an Olympic champion in 1976 and won world championship titles in five weight classes. His fights with legends such as Roberto Durán, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler are considered boxing classics and defined the "golden era" of the sport in the 1980s.

Robert Ruark

Role: Writer, journalist. Historical Significance: A native of Wilmington, Robert Ruark was a renowned journalist and author of several bestsellers. His semi-autobiographical novel "The Old Man and the Boy", based on his childhood in North Carolina, became a classic of American literature regarding nature and coming of age.