Today, Wilmington is known for its antebellum and Civil War history, its role in famed movies and productions like Dawson’s Creek, Black Velvet, or the aptly named movie Cape Fear, and its unique culture that combines college students, visitors, and working professionals.
What is special about Wilmington NC?
Boasting beautiful old buildings and astounding architecture, Wilmington’s Historic District is a treat to explore. Encompassing everything from mansions and museums to historic homes and charming churches, it lies on the banks of the Cape Fear River in the heart of the city center.
What is the history of Wilmington NC?
Named after Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, the city was formerly known as New Carthage, New Liverpool and Newton. The Port City prospered because of its proximity to the Cape Fear River. Manufactured goods were imported and inland settlers transported produce down the river.
What was Wilmington originally called?
Wilmington was named for Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington. He never visited the United States or the city named in his honor. 6. Before it finally became “Wilmington,” our city was known as Watson, New Carthage, New Liverpool and Newtown/New Town.
Why is Wilmington NC so popular?
This port city is surrounded by many small beach communities and is exploding in popularity. Known for its beautiful clean beaches, locally caught seafood, the hip beer scene, and affordable cost of living, this historic beach town is a perfect mix of small-town charm and big city living.
What kind of food is Wilmington NC known for?
6 Great Things to Eat in Wilmington, North Carolina
- Beef tartare at PinPoint Restaurant. ( Courtesy Andrew Sherman)
- The Trolly Stop in Wrightsville Beach. ( Maya Stanton)
- Seared tuna tostadas at Savorez. ( Maya Stanton)
- Roberts Grocery in Wrightsville Beach. (
- Crab cake at Catch. (
- El Quatro sampler at Ceviche’s. (
Why is it called Cape Fear?
The name comes from the 1585 expedition of Sir Richard Grenville. Sailing to Roanoke Island, his ship became embayed behind the cape. Some of the crew were afraid they would wreck, giving rise to the name Cape Fear.
What does the name Wilmington mean?
The name is tribal and refers to the estates of the tribe known as the Wighelms, who were also recorded in Shropshire. However the Devonshire Wilmington has the totally different meaning of the hill meadow, from the Olde English pre 7th century “dun” meaning hill and “maed”, an area of grassland suitable for grazing.
Is Wilmington NC segregated?
Wilmington remains a segregated city. That inequality isn’t just affecting the city’s neighborhoods, it’s also fueling segregation in the school district. Wilmington is a segregated city.
How did Wrightsville Beach get its name?
The town was incorporated in 1899 as Wrightsville Beach, in honor of the Wright family of Wilmington and the community of Wrightsville on the mainland side of Harbor Island.
Is Wilmington a good place to live?
Wilmington is in New Hanover County and is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. Living in Wilmington offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Wilmington there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
Where is Dawson’s Creek filmed?
Wilmington
During the course of the series, 128 episodes over six seasons were filmed in Wilmington and our Island Beaches. On the show, Wilmington and the surrounding area doubled as “Capeside,” a small fictitious coastal town in Massachusetts. Several landmarks and locations from the show can still be seen around town.
What is the racial makeup of Wilmington NC?
Wilmington Demographics
White: 75.99% Black or African American: 17.73% Two or more races: 2.69% Other race: 2.01%
Where should I not live in NC?
The 20 Worst Places to Live in North Carolina
- Henderson.
- Roanoke Rapids.
- Albemarle.
- Goldsboro.
- Dunn.
- Pineville.
- Laurinburg.
- Kinston. According to Only in Your State, Kinston is a city that accounts for a far higher percentage of North Carolina crimes than any one city has a right to.
Is Wilmington NC worth visiting?
Wilmington’s historic district is well worth a visit. From the Battleship North Carolina to the early 20th century architecture found on many of the buildings, Wilmington is a fantastic city for examining history and relaxing.
Where should I not live in Wilmington NC?
Most Violent Areas of Town by Census Tract (in last six months)
- 142 – Barclay Hills Drive.
- 101 – Grace Street, Nun Street, Ann Street, Downtown area.
- 147 – Randall Parkway.
- 115 – Castle, Wooster, Lullwater, Dawson Streets.
- 107 – Downtown, Sampson Alley.
- 128 – South 3rd Street to South 10th Street.
Are there sharks in the Cape Fear River?
WILMINGTON — Yes, there are sharks in the Cape Fear River.
Does Cape Fear River have alligators?
Alligators are concentrated in the lower Cape Fear and Neuse River Valleys but roam over much of the Coastal Plain south of the 36th parallel, which splits Albemarle Sound lengthwise.
Can you swim in Cape Fear River?
“Whenever someone says they’re heading to the river to swim, remind them to be extremely careful,” said Erwin police Chief Jonathan Johnson. “Even when the Cape Fear looks calm, it can be dangerous.” Dangerous enough to have claimed more lives than any other river in the state, except in the case of a hurricane.
Who were the first settlers in Wilmington NC?
The first permanent colonial settlement in the area was established in the 1720s by European settlers. In September 1732, a community was founded on land owned by John Watson on the Cape Fear River, at the confluence of its northwest and northeast branches.
Who was Wilmington founded by?
A small agricultural hamlet for its first 100 years, it developed into a prosperous port and market town after the Quakers moved there in the 1730s. The Quakers secured a borough charter from Thomas Penn, the proprietor of Pennsylvania, who named the town (1739) for his friend Spencer Compton, earl of Wilmington.