Wilmington: Leisure and History

	Thalian Hall - Wilmington, NC Photo by Joe Swift

Wilmington, North Carolina, built on the east bank of the Cape Fear River, was a major port and shipbuilding center in the 1700s. Today the culturally diverse city attracts attention as one of the largest districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places and citizens take great pride in their revitalization efforts. The downtown district consists of over 230 blocks where visitors to Wilmington can explore museums, stay in historic bed and breakfasts or shop in structures that have been lovingly and meticulously restored. Outdoor enthusiasts such as golfers, cyclists, fishermen, scuba divers, swimmers or boaters can enjoy the warm climate and the many opportunities to pursue their favorite leisure activities.

ORIENTATION

Wilmington is located on the eastern coast of the United States in the state of North Carolina, which shares a northern border with Virginia, a southern border with South Carolina and western borders with Georgia and Tennessee. North Carolina's capital of Raleigh is 123 miles (198 km) northwest of Wilmington on Interstate 40, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is 75 miles (121 km) southwest and the Atlantic Ocean lies approximately 30 miles (48 km) southeast.

HISTORY

A town named New Town (also called Newton or New Liverpool) was established in 1732 on the Cape Fear River at a place where river vessels could easily land. The town was incorporated in 1739 and officially named Wilmington after Englishman Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington. Early inhabitants of Wilmington were English, Highland Scots and New Englanders from Virginia and South Carolina. The founding families built homes along the Cape Fear River and conducted their business within the town.

Historic Homes in Wilmington NC Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Coast Convention & VIsitors Bureau

Between the end of the American Revolution in 1776 and the 1830s, Wilmington lost much of its population because land access to the town was inadequate and medical facilities, banks and overnight accommodations were scarce. Popularity was regained in 1840, as Wilmington became the largest exporter of naval stores (rosin, turpentine, tall oil, and pitch) in the world. About the same time, Wilmington became the terminus for the railroads that extended inland and north to the Virginia border. The resulting increase in exports from the region greatly enhanced local prosperity.

With the end to the Civil War in 1865, Wilmington became home to a significant number of former slaves who sought employment in the lumber mills and naval stores industry. A large, middle class black community emerged. Wilmington was home to North Carolina's first black attorney, first black doctor and first black professional architect. In 1898, a statewide white supremacy movement initiated an armed conflict between races, resulting in an era where blacks were segregated from whites. Wilmington gained city status in 1866, but after the racial conflicts Wilmington's fortunes again declined. The city lost its status as the largest city in the state and many residents moved away to find a better life elsewhere.

World War II brought renewed growth to Wilmington through shipbuilding contracts; the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company employed thousands of workers and built 223 ships between 1939 and 1945. Both civilians and military personnel on regular leave were drawn to the area's mild weather and unspoiled beaches. After the war many stayed and, with the opening of Wilmington College (now University of North Carolina at Wilmington), the population once again expanded.

For over two centuries Wilmington has been a significant player in American and African-American history. The future looks bright too, as visitors are drawn to this extraordinary city.

CLIMATE

The climate of North Carolina is moderate, thanks to the ocean and Gulf Stream influences, with summer highs averaging 80°F (27°C) and winter highs averaging 50°F (10°C). Over 210 days of sunshine per year are normally recorded and rainfall averages 54 inches (1378 mm) per year.

Wilmington still has four distinct seasons including winter, spring, summer and fall, but snow is rare. The hurricane season runs from June until September, but in the past 54 years, according to the National Climatic Data Center, the Wilmington area (New Hanover County) has reported only one tropical storm and five hurricanes. Since these storms are rare, tourists can feel comfortable visiting the area throughout the entire year.

TRANSPORTATION

Travelers to Wilmington can drive southeast from Raleigh on Interstate 40, north from Myrtle Beach on US 17, south from Jacksonville on US 17, or fly into Wilmington International Airport and rent a car. Wilmington is a port city, and with ongoing navigational improvements on Cape Fear River, easily accessible by boat. The city offers docking facilities for short-term tie-ups and local marinas are equipped for long-term stays.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

Battleship North Carolina
No trip to Wilmington is complete without a trip to the popular historic attraction, the Battleship North Carolina, which is the only American battleship to take part in all 12 major offensives in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Now on permanent display, it is a memorial to the more than 10,000 North Carolina military men who lost their lives during that war. In 1961, the North Carolina was berthed on Eagles Island across from downtown Wilmington.

	Battleship North Carolina Photo by Aerial Photography, Charlotte, NC

Visitors are encouraged to follow the two to four-hour self-guided tour, taking advantage of the ship's interpretive signage to create their own custom-made tour. The nine decks provide access to a barbershop, movie theater, church, post office, laundry, ice cream shop and numerous repair shops. The Roll of Honor records the names of the fallen North Carolinian soldiers and the seven Vought Kingfisher floatplanes on display are the last in the world. Once the ship has been thoroughly explored, guests can visit the Coca-Cola Canteen or the Ship's Store, or set up and enjoy a picnic in Battleship Park.

Cape Fear Museum
As Wilmington's fortunes ebbed and flowed, residents felt the desire to establish a center where the city's history was preserved for future generations. In 1898, the Daughters of the Confederacy created the Confederate Museum in a military armory. Four moves and four names later, the museum became known as the Cape Fear Museum and is currently administered by New Hanover County.

The museum covers 42,000 square feet and houses an estimated 40,000 artefacts. Approximately 560 objects are on permanent display and the rest are part of changing or featured exhibits. Most of the artefacts are from the 20th-century and include many photographs and physical items that reflect the Carolina coast's history, science and culture. Michael Jordan fans will be thrilled to see the memorabilia from his youth on display. Jordan was a National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar, named the NBA Most Valuable Player five times, and a former resident of Wilmington. The museum showcase contains, among other things, his old basketball uniform from UNC-Chapel Hill and his first paycheck stub while working part-time at a local restaurant.

Train at the Wilmington Railroad Museum Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Coast Convention & VIsitors Bureau

Wilmington Children's Museum
The Cape Fear Museum has many programs and resources that are geared to youth, but the Wilmington Children's Museum caters specifically to children pre-kindergarten to grade 3. This museum is an interactive learning center that will inspire children to explore, question and imagine. Children can slide down a fire pole, race a lego car, go on a pirate treasure hunt, dress up or be part of a puppet show.

Other Local Attractions
Wilmington's centuries-old history provides visitors with many opportunities to step back in time. The Bellamy Mansion, Burgwin-Wright House and the Latimer House are architectural marvels, filled with period furniture, portraits and artwork. Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum features 18th-century to the present North Carolina and American art and the Wilmington Railroad Museum highlights the role of the railroad in Wilmington history. For more daring characters, the Cape Fear Serpentarium is sure to please snake lovers and haters alike. The two floors and 6000 square feet of space are filled with hundreds of specimens of venomous snakes and other exotic reptiles housed in simulations of their natural habitats.

	Bellamy Mansion Museum Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Coast Convention & VIsitors Bureau

Events and Activities
With a holiday centered in warm and sunny North Carolina, visitors may prefer to spend some quality time outdoors or just relax and take part in a leisure activity. Guests may choose a guided walk through the streets and alleyways of downtown Wilmington to hear ghosts stories of the past and present, or join in the adventurous Haunted Pub Crawl through Wilmington's most vividly haunted pubs. Exploring downtown Wilmington by horse-drawn trolley or carriage, by riverboat or by motorized trolley pleases individuals of all ages.

More athletic pursuits are also available. North Carolina coastal waters contain over 2000 shipwrecks, making the area a haven for scuba divers. For serious anglers, the Cape Fear coast provides numerous opportunities for annual fishing tournaments. Canoeing, kayaking, sailing and parasailing are also available on the protected recreational waterways. Seven golf courses lie within the Wilmington area and provide challenges for both high and low handicappers.

Outside Wilmington
The Cape Fear coastal communities of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach can provide individuals with a pleasant change of pace from shopping and museums. Visitors can walk on the beaches, play beach volleyball, soak up the sun, read a book, take a harbor cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, go deep sea fishing, water ski, enjoy a bike ride or just sit and stare at the ocean. Wilmington and area is a paradise for folks of all ages and is worth taking the time to explore.