Airlie Gardens
Wilmington
Airlie Gardens offers tranquility and natural delights all year long. Take a meandering stroll back in time among towering ancient oaks, southern magnolia and native palms. Wander along freshwater lakes, spying on tree-perched egrets and gracefully circling swans. Catch the sunset over scenic Bradley Creek and its ever-changing salt marsh. Airlie dazzles in spring when 27,000 flowering bulbs and over 250,000 azaleas create a festive garden party followed by the Airlie Arts Festival artists displaying their own riot of color and form. Summertime and the living is easy listening to jazz and folk music at the Airlie Concert Series. Autumn draws the community back to the garden for a low country tradition – the Oyster Roast. Finally, the New Year arrives as hundreds of antique camellias get ready to show off their exquisite flowers. Airlie Gardens
Bald Head Island > 'Old Baldy' Light
Bald Head Island
Location: BALD HEAD ISLAND/CAPE FEAR RIVER. National Maritime Initiative Inventory of Historic Light Stations more...
Brunswick Town State Historic Site / Fort Anderson
Winnabow
Archaeological excavations have unearthed the colonial port town of Brunswick. These excavations are exposed for viewing as well as a visitor center complete with audio visual programming, exhibits, and artifacts. See the extravagant St. Philips Anglican Church walls, as well as a nearby graveyard where many prominent citizens of the 18th century are buried. The 19th century confederate fortification - Fort Anderson is well preserved. Here you will see the large gun platforms which supported Anderson's heavy guns. Visitor center exhibits as well as outdoor exhibits bring to life these two periods of history. A major pre-Revolutionary port on North Carolina's Cape Fear River, Brunswick was razed by British troops in 1776 and never rebuilt. During the Civil War, Fort Anderson was constructed atop the old village site. Colonial foundations dot the present-day tour trail, which crosses the earthworks of the Confederate fort. This serene riverside setting, along with colonial and Civil War history and visitor center exhibits make for a memorable outing. NCDCR
Burgwin-Wright House Museum and Gardens
Wilmington
The Burgwin-Wright House is the oldest house museum in Southeastern North Carolina, built in 1770 by John Burgwin, planter, merchant, and treasurer of the colony of Carolina. The house was occupied as a residence until 1937 when The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the state of North Carolina bought it to restore. In 1950 it opened to the public as a house museum interpreting Wilmington's colonial elite. This Georgian style townhouse was built in 1770 for John Burgwin, merchant, planter and colonial official. Beautifully restored and decorated with furnishings of the 18th and early 19th centuries, the Burgwin-Wright House is the oldest museum house in Southeastern North Carolina. It is graced by handsome gardens. A formal, or parterre garden, a terraced garden and an orchard all featuring appropriate plants and trees. Behind this fine colonial home there is a free standing building which houses the kitchen and craft room. Open hearth demonstrations of colonial cooking are presented monthly in the outside kitchen. Burgwin-Wright House
Battleship North Carolina
Wilmington
The Battleship NORTH CAROLINAis the state's memorial to her World War II veterans, an attraction, and a museum interpreting all ships named NORTH CAROLINA. The first ship to bear the name NORTH CAROLINA was the Ship-of-the-Line in the 1820s, followed by the Confederate Ironclad, the World War I-era Armored Cruiser, a never-completed post-World War I Battleship, and, finally, the World War II-era Battleship. Standing with quiet dignity and majesty across from historic downtown Wilmington, the Battleship North Carolina beckons visitors to walk her decks and envision daily life as well as fierce combat situations that her veterans faced in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Collections include not only the ship herself, but also many artifacts, documents, photographs and works of art. On tour since 1941! Step on board where history took place. Experience the thrill of the most decorated US battleship of WWII with 15 battle stars! Come aboard and explore nine decks, crew's quarters, gun turrets, and much more. This is a tour you won't want to miss! Located at the junction of highways 17/74/76/421 across from historic downtown Wilmington. Hours: Open Every Day! Battleship North Carolina
Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts
Wilmington
The Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts, a stewardship property of Preservation North Carolina, exhibits and interprets the architecture of the Bellamy Mansion and its urban slave quarters. The home is also used for rotating arts exhibits and a variety of educational programs. Built as the city residence of prominent planter Dr. John D. Bellamy, the Bellamy Mansion (c. 1861) is Wilmington's most spectacular example of antebellum architecture. The mansion offers tours, changing exhibits on history and design arts, and an informative look at historic preservation in action. Interpretive programs include the construction of the main house (by slave and free African Americans), archaeological research and the planned reconstruction of the 1859 slave quarters and the carriage house. Civil War: At the outbreak of the war, Wilmington was the largest city in North Carolina with a population of about 10,000. As the Union blockade choked off shipping to Southern ports, the city became critically important to the Confederate war effort. Blockade runners were able to slip into the mouth of the Cape Fear River protected by a series of forts, including the ocean-side Fort Fisher. World commerce flowing into Wilmington was used to fuel Lee's army in Virginia via the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad with connections to Petersburg and Richmond. ''Lee's Lifeline'' functioned until early 1865 when Union forces captured Fort Fisher, then marched north to occupy Wilmington. Many fine antebellum buildings, including the Bellamy Mansion, are included in a town tour. For more information, stop at the Cape Fear Museum or call 800-222-4757 for general information. Bellamy Mansion
Bentonville Battleground
Newton Grove
Civil War: NCDCR
Civil War Battle Summary - Wilmington
Location: New Hanover County. Campaign: Operations against Fort Fisher and Wilmington (January-February 1865) more....
Civil War Battle Summary - Operations against Fort Fisher and Wilmington (January-February 1865)
Location: New Hanover County. Campaign: Operations against Fort Fisher and Wilmington (January-February 1865) more....
Civil War Battle Summary - Expedition against Fort Fisher (December 1864)
Location: New Hanover County. more....
Cape Fear Museum of History & Science
Wilmington
Oldest history museum in NC; focus on regional history, cultures, and science; Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery focuses on natural history. Extensive Civil War collection features Wilmington waterfront as it was in 1863 and diorama of 2nd Battle of Fort Fisher, 1865. The oldest history museum in North Carolina founded in 1898 by Cape Fear Chapter #3 United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Cape Fear Museum collects, preserves, and interprets objects relating to the history, science and cultures of the lower Cape Fear and makes those objects and their interpretations available to the public through educational exhibitions and programs. Exhibits focus on a broad range of topics including the history of Wilmington, navigation, the Civil War, local industry and agriculture, Michael Jordan and other local celebrities, and the natural history of the region. Temporary and rotating exhibits highlight numerous other subjects of interest and allow the museum to display a variety of their interesting holdings and also to feature loaned items from the community and beyond. Civil War: The museum features a large model of the Civil War-era Wilmington waterfront surrounded by exhibits detailing the city's wartime history including blockade running. Nearby, a large audio-visual diorama dramatically describes the final assault at Fort Fisher in 1865. capefearmuseum.com nhcgov.com
Cotton Exchange
Wilmington
8 graciously restored, turn of the century buildings connected by brick walkways, open air courtyards, a walk of fame housing 33 unique, specialty shops. Overlooks the Cape Fear River in Historic Downtown Wilmington, plenty of free parking. shopcottonexchange.com
Cape Fear Riverboats - Henrietta III
Wilmington
Henrietta III, riverboat offers narrated sightseeing; dinner cruises & holiday cruises on the Cape Fear River. Available for private charters and weddings. Capt. J.N. Maffitt, a vintage World War II Navy Launch, offers public sightseeing cruises and a taxi service from the city-side of the river to the Battleship North Carolina. Also available for private charter. ## Sightseeing and dining cruises on North Carolina's largest riverboat. Dinner dance cruises, narrated sightseeing and lunch cruises, private year round parties, special event cruises and sunset cruises. Cape Fear River Cruises
Cowan Museum
Kenansville
Over 2,000 items fill the historic Kelly-Farrior House that serves as a museum. Artifacts reflecting the heritage of rural North Carolina include farming implements, household items from the 18th and 19th centuries, and tools of all kinds. One-room log schoolhouse, log tobacco barn, one-room furnished log cabin and blacksmith shop on the grounds. Free. Kenansville, Duplin County, NC. Civil War cowanmuseum.com
The Historic L.P. Best House/Duplin County Veterans Museum
Warsaw
Civil War: townofwarsawnc.com
Fort Anderson / Brunswick Town
Wilmington, Southport
Civil War: Brunswick Town - Fort Anderson State Historic Site
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Kure Beach
Fort Fisher Historic Site preserves, educates and interprets for public benefit the history and structure of Fort Fisher and its significance to the outcome of the Civil War. The visitor center features exhibits on the Civil War, local figures, and a fiber optics map illustrating the Battle of Fort Fisher. It also interprets Fort Fisher's history during World War II, as well as educates on coastline erosion and environmental issues. The earthworks can be accessed from the visitor center and are interpreted year round, including the reenactment of the Battle of Fort Fisher.## At the dawn of the Civil War, the Confederacy took control of a neck of land in Southern North Carolina near the mouth of the Cape Fear River and constructed what was to become the largest and one of the most important earthwork fortifications in the South. Approximately 10% of Fort Fisher remains, along with a restored palisade fence. The visitor center contains interpretive exhibits and an audiovisual presentation. Among the displays are items recovered from sunken blockade-runners. State headquarters for underwater archaeology is also located here. Free. ## Civil War: Confederate fort built between the ocean and the Cape Fear River, guarding the approach to Wilmington. Only about 10 percent of the original fort remains, but what is left is impressive. A visitor center describes the importance of the fort and the battles that eventually resulted in the Union capture Jan. 15, 1865. The visitor center offers a bookshop, audio-visual program, and newly refurbished exhibits tracing the history of the campaign and battles. The centerpiece of the exhibits is a large fiber-optic battle map featuring a three dimensional model of Fort Fisher, thousands of moving lights, and dramatic narration and sound effects illustrating the final bloody hours of Fort Fisher. A tour trail circles the fort's massive remains. A restored gun emplacement at Shepherd's Battery features a fully operational replica of a 32-pdr. seacoast cannon. Wayside exhibits, placed along the tour trail and oceanfront, provide historical context for visitors. Battle Acre features a monument to soldiers who fought here. Also see ''Hidden Beneath the Waves,'' a pavilion exhibit featuring recovered and preserved artifacts from local shipwrecks (including Civil War era) Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington
Wilmington
Join locally renowned actors and ghost hunters on a 90-minute journey into the depths of Haunted Old Wilmington. Stroll along 270 year old alleyways and streets beneath a canopy of centuries old live oaks and hear the woeful tales of the most unfortunate wretches whose poor lost souls still linger here. Share in the most recent encounters with these spirits, including the many confrontations on recent tours, and discover why Wilmington is considered the most actively haunted city in America. It's a journey you won't soon forget. hauntedwilmington.com
Historic Fort Fisher
Known as the ''Gibraltar of the South,'' Fort Fisher guarded the Cape Fear river and Wilmington, the last major Confederate port, until January 1865. The modern site preserves some of the original ramparts and relics from the blockade runners that found protection under Fort Fisher's guns. more....
Historic Wilmington Carriage Tours
Wilmington
Narrated horse-drawn trolley and carriage tours of historic Wilmington. Costumed driver enlightens you to the ways and customs of Old Wilmington. April through October; Monday-Saturday 10am-10pm & Sunday 11am-4pm: November, December & March; Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm; Sunday 11am-4pm; January & February please call. Water & Market Streets, downtown. Adults $11, children under 12 $5. No reservations, first come first serve. horsedrawntours.com
Kenansville Walking/Riding Tour / Liberty Hall Restoration
Kenansville
A walking/riding tour of 25 historic homes and buildings, most are 19th century and outstanding examples of Greek Revival architecture. A majority of the structures are in the National Register Historic District. The tour includes the historic Kenansville Spring, churches, two museums, and other structures. Private homes may be enjoyed from a roadside view. Brochures and map may be obtained at the Liberty Hall Visitors Center.Kenansville, Duplin County, NC. ## Guided tour of the Kenan family ancestral home, a restored Southern plantation of the 1800s. Eleven rooms, 12 dependencies including garden shop, wine cellar, carriage house, servants quarters, chicken house, smokehouse, overseer's cottage, woodshed, tool house, wash shed and necessary house(bathhouse and privy). Also, Visitor's Center Exhibit Hall, 13-minute video and gift shop. Herb garden and recently added rose garden. Admission charge. Kenansville, Duplin County, NC. atiwave.com/libertyhall
Latimer House Museum and Gardens
Wilmington
Zebulon Latimer was a prosperous Wilmington businessman who married a local belle, Elizabeth Savage. When they built their 1852 home, they built it in the popular Victorian Italiante style. It was home to three generations of the Latimers until 1963 when the house became an historical museum and home to the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society. Both the interior and exterior of the home closely resemble its original appearance and period furnishings, artwork and portraits of the Latimer family give the house a ''lived in'' feeling. In the main house, visitors are guided through all 4 floors. In the gardens you find the servants quarters. ## The Lower Cape Fear Historical Society was founded in 1957 to preserve and study the history of the Lower Cape Fear region. The articles of incorporation state, "This corporation is organized to be operated exclusively for literary and educational purposes. To this end said corporation shall collect and preserve records and materials and disseminate knowledge and information pertaining to the history of the Lower Cape Fear, State of North Carolina, and the United States of America." The Society's activities include restoration and exhibition of the Latimer House, a Victorian Italianate upper-class merchant's house in the heart of Wilmington's Historic District; the upkeep of the Society archives containing a wealth of local historic documents and publications; and a plethora of events, latimerhouse.org
Museum of Coastal Carolina
Ocean Isle Beach
The Museum of Coastal Carolina is a natural history museum. Newest exhibit is a touch tank with live sea animals. Permanent exhibits include extensive collections of seashells, saltwater fish, birds, wetland animals, sea animals, live snakes, animal skins, Native American artifacts, and Civil War relics. Natural habitat settings include the Swamp, The Reef, and Waterfowl. Traveling exhibits include Tale of Loggerhead Turtle and The Great Bears. Party and Event Rooms. Gift Shop. ## The Museum of Coastal Carolina is dedicated to presenting the natural history and cultural heritage of the coastal Carolinas, an area rich in wildlife and history. Exhibits depict the precious diversity of wildlife and habitat, providing an exciting and educational experience. Museum Of Coastal Carolina
Moores Creek National Battlefield
Currie
Site of one of the first battles in the South of the Revolutionary War and the first patriot victory of the war. Museum, audiovisual program, self-guided history and nature trails, and picnic area. ## Moores Creek National Battlefield preserves the site of the first southern battle and patriot victory in the American Revolution. The battle of Moores Creek Bridge reflected the internal conflict that marked the American Revolution, and the site serves to educate the public and the military community about 18th century politics and warfare. The 86-acre park encompasses the site of the original bridge, earthworks, battle ground and original roadways, and includes two walking trails interpreting the battle, a visitor center featuring an audiovisual presentation and exhibits, outdoor monuments commemorating specific individuals and events relevant to the site, and both indoor and outdoor picnic and classroom areas. Moores Creek National Battlefield "> recreation.gov
North Carolina Historic Site > Moore's Creek Bridge
North Carolina Continentals and militia defeat loyalists troops seeking to join the British army and subdue the colony for the Crown. The battle at Moore's Creek Bridge and a following battle near Charleston, South Carolina postponed a British invasion of the southern colonies for two years. more....
North Carolina Historic Site > Fort Fisher
Until the last few months of the Civil War, Fort Fisher kept North Carolina's port of Wilmington open to blockade-runners supplying necessary goods to Confederate armies inland. By 1865, the supply line through Wilmington was the last remaining supply route open to Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. When Fort Fisher fell after a massive Federal amphibious assault on January 15, 1865, its defeat helped seal the fate of the Confederacy. Visitors are invited to tour the remains of the fort's land face, which features an impressive reconstruction of a 32-pdr. seacoast gun at Shepherd's Battery. Shaded by gnarled live oaks, a scenic trail leads tourists from the visitor center past the gigantic earthworks. more....
North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport
Southport
The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport houses a collection of memorabilia and a research library pertaining to the vast nautical history of the Lower Cape Fear area of southeastern North Carolina. ## Preserves the rich maritime heritage of Southport and the lower Cape Fear area. Exhibits, artifacts, programs and research library. Admission charge. NC Maritime Museum
NC Underwater Archaeology Center
Kure Beach
The Underwater Archeology Branch excavates and surveys shipwrecks and other underwater archaeological sites throughout the state. The branch also coordinates ongoing recovery and restoration projects, such as the Queen Anne's Revenge ## The Underwater Archaeology section of the NC Division of Archives and History operates this small museum with exhibits on maritime history featuring artifacts uncovered in underwater explorations dating from prehistoric(Native American) to the Civil War and the present. NCDCR (1) NCDCR (2)
NC Military History Museum
Kure Beach
The North Carolina Military History Museum collects, interprets and attempts to preserve yearbooks, histories, photographs, uniforms and artifacts related to United States military activity from the Spanish American War to the present day. The focus is especially on North Carolina's contribution to all branches of the military in the twentieth century. ncmhs.net/NCHMSlocations.htm
Orton Plantation Gardens
Winnabow
Orton Plantation Gardens offer a self-guided, walking tour through an impressive set of formal and informal gardens covering 20 acres. Wildlife and bird life are plentiful on the former rice plantation. ortongardens.com
Old Baldy Lighthouse & Smith Island Museum
Bald Head Island
North Carolina's oldest standing lighthouse, built in 1817. Open to public. Historic tour packages available. Next to the lighthouse is the Smith Island Museum which houses historic artifacts found on Bald Head Island. These are managed by the Old Baldy Foundation in order to preserve the history of Smith Island, Old Baldy Lighthouse, and the maritime history of the Carolina coast. oldbaldy.org
Poplar Grove Historic Plantation
Wilmington
Poplar Grove Plantation preserves the homestead of James Foy, patriarch of a successful antebellum farming family, and the outbuildings and crafts typical of a 19th century working community. Poplar Grove is preserved through the efforts of the non-profit Poplar Grove Foundation. ## 1850 Historic House Museum. Just a few minutes north of Wilmington, Poplar Grove is a wonderful experience for families, with plenty to see and do for young visitors. Tour the big house and tenant farmer's cabin, spend some time visiting the craft shops and learn about basket making and weaving. At the blacksmith's shop, find out why nails were so precious. ## Civil War Poplar Grove Plantation
Historic Southport
Southport
Self-guided walking tour of downtown Southport. The brochure guides you through the charming historic district of downtown Southport including the historic significance of area homes and attractions. These attractions include an 800 year old oak tree in Keziah Park, Waterfront Park were you can watch large transoceanic vessels pass on their way up river to the Port City of Wilmington, or Franklin Square Park where many events and festivals are held. Numerous businesses offer guided tours. Begin your visitor at the Southport Visitor Center, 113 W. Moore Street in Southport. Southport - Oak Island Tourism
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Wilmington
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts is a restored 1858 ''opera house'', that has undergone a (1988-90) restoration to the theatre which also included an expansion to the historic wings of the building, the theatre and city hall, which added much-needed technical and administrative support areas. In its turn-of-the-century appearance, the theatre boasts beautiful architectural detail, including the ornate proscenium arch, sweeping balconies, original mahogany wooden benches in the gallery level, and a ''thunder run'', an original sound mechanism, the only one of its kind in the United States. The theatre is still a cultural center for Wilmington, with over 350 events planned annually in the facility. Over the past 140 years such notables as Maurice Barrymore, Lillian Russell, Buffalo Bill Cody and Oscar Wilde have appeared on the stage of Thalian Hall. And most recently such popular stars as Judy Collins, Ronnie Milsap and the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre have entertained modern Wilmington audiences. ## Thalian Hall is an 1858 Italianate theater designed by 19th Century architect John Montague. This theater is the only remaining example of his work. Thalian Hall has continually operated since its construction serving the city of Wilmington in the past and present as a center for the performing arts, for the county and municipal governments, and for the use and enjoyment of the public. The theater building is an historic landmark, and its Archives houses a great many records, photographs, and artifacts documenting the history of 18th, 19th, and early 20th century theater as well as Thalian Hall itself. Thalian Hall
Tarkil Branch Farm's Homestead Museum
Beulaville
This restored homestead is a fine example of early farm life typical of most families in rural North Carolina in the 19th and early 20th century. The 1830s ''dogtrot'' architecture style house and the period outbuildings give you a genuine sense of a disappearing lifestyle. Outbuildings include a 1925 country store, smokehouse, tobacco barn, chicken house, along with old farm implements. Learn how tobacco was grown and how to hitch up a mule to a plow. Wagon tours and a hiking trail are available for adults and children. Prior arrangements are necessary. Groups welcome. NCAGR
UNC-Wilmington: Museum of World Cultures
Wilmington
The Museum of World Cultures facilitates teaching, research and to preservation of the physical artifacts of those societies in the world which have contributed to the heritage of the United States of America, in order that students, faculty, staff and administrators, as well as citizens at large, may discover who they are and whence they came by learning and understanding their historical and cultural roots. uncwil.edu/mwc
Wilmington's Historic District
Wilmington
Wilmington's historic district is among the state's largest beginning at Water and Market Streets and extending outward for 230 blocks. Year round tours via horse drawn trolley and carriage, riverboat, trolley car or on foot. Seasonal themed tours of homes, gardens, churches, haunted sites, etc. Tour prices vary. cape-fear.nc.us
Wilmington Children's Museum
Wilmington
The Wilmington Children's Museum is a hands-on ''learning through play'' center for children to stimulate imagination, curiosity and innate love of learning. Exhibits and programs focus on the arts, science, mathematics and the environment. Come play with us! ## The Wilmington Children's Museum, through interactive exhibits and educational programs focused on the arts and sciences, strives to stimulate children's imagination, curiosity, and innate love of learning. Wilmington Childrens Museum
Wilmington Railroad Museum
Wilmington
Recapture the essence of railroad days as you climb aboard a steam locomotive, wander through a bright red caboose or explore extensive artifacts ranging from a 150-ton locomotive to a conductor's 4 oz. timepiece. Enjoy the Lionel model railroad display and the HO display. ## The Wilmington Railroad Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and the history of railroading in the southeastern United States through collecting and exhibiting artifacts, photographs, and archival material, and by sponsoring educational programs related to all aspects of the railroad industry and railroad history. The museum features permanent and rotating history exhibits, model trains, interactive displays, a children's hands-on learning center, and a research library. Wilmington Railroad Museum
Wrightsville Beach Museum of History
Wrightsville Beach
The island's fourth-oldest cottage has been restored to house both rotating and permanent exhibits displaying the island's rich history, including a scale model (c. 1910) complete with working trolley. ## The Wrightsville Beach Museum is located in the Myers Cottage, the third oldest cottage on the island and one of twenty beach cottages built by the Tidewater Power Company in 1907. The museum, while not strictly a house museum, depicts life on Wrightsville Beach just after the turn of the century. Other exhibits interpret barrier island heritage, the Civil War, hurricanes, the Ocean View Railroad or trolley, Lumina Pavilion, and the lives of various individuals prominent in the history of Wrightsville Beach. Wrightsville Beach Museum Of History
Wilmington Trolley Company
Wilmington
Experience the grandeur and charm of Old Wilmington with a trolley tour of the historic district. The eight-mile, 45 minute narrated sightseeing tour includes beautiful mansions, haunted homes, museums, birthplaces of famous natives, TV/movie locations, African-American History, Civil War Shipyards, brick laden streets and more. Tours depart from the corner of Dock and Water Streets. wilmingtontrolley.com
Wilmington National Cemetery
Wilmington
Established in 1867, this Historic National Cemetery is the resting place for 100's of Military Veterans dating back to the mid-1800's. Ceremonies are held each Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. Access sunrise to sunset. va.gov
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