Wilmington North Carolina is a coastal city located on the Atlantic. With rivers, lakes, and the ocean to entertain its residents and visitors alike, Wilmington is a popular destination for individuals who enjoy water sports, such as fishing, kayaking, and boating, as well as the laid-back yet energetic lifestyle that coastal living has to offer. If you are interested in Wilmington, read on to learn a bit more about this great city’s history.
Wilmington’s Colonial Roots: Settling the Land
The very first European individual who is reported to have noted the area of modern day Wilmington was Giovanni da Verrazano in the early 1500s, but it wasn’t until over 200 years later, in the 1720s, that English colonists settled in this region. The name Wilmington was bestowed on the town upon its official incorporation in 1939 and was chosen to honor the Earl of Wilmington, Spencer Compton. Before this took place, the settlement was referred to as New Carthage, then New Liverpool, then New Town, and Newton.
Wilmington’s Role in the Revolution
Because it was (and remains) a prominent port city, Wilmington played an essential role in the American Revolution. With political leaders dedicated to the cause and a booming commercial industry, the city was a valuable asset for the American resistance. Citizens within its boundaries were involved in opposing the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act, as well as other forms of British oppression. Throughout the Revolution, the citizens and leaders of Wilmington stood strong in their pursuit of liberty.
Life in the Antebellum South
In the years leading up to the Civil War, Wilmington was busy improving its infrastructure and facilitating travel between its city center and other nearby towns. For instance, in 1840, the longest single line of railroad track on the globe was completed between Wilmington and Weldon. Additionally, the railroad was involved in directing steamboats en route between Wilmington and Charleston—which played a major role in both the shipment of freight and the travel of passengers. Then, in 1854, the Wilmington Gas Light Company was founded and street lights were installed along major roads. This made travel throughout the city even easier, as residents and visitors could better navigate at night.
Civil War: The Battle of Wilmington
As a port city, Wilmington was again instrumental during the Civil War, as it had been during the Revolutionary War. In 1865 the Battle of Wilmington was fought and, unfortunately for the town’s citizens, the port was seized by Union troops. While this was a strategic blow to the Confederate forces, the fact that the actual battle took place outside of the city center means that Wilmington still boasts antebellum architecture that history buffs love to explore.
World War II: Wilmington Supplies Ships to the Allied Forces
During World War II, Wilmington was chosen as the headquarters for the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company. Over the course of the company’s five-year lifespan, 243 ships were constructed. In addition to contributing via shipbuilding activities, the city of Wilmington hosted three prisoner of war, or POW, camps.
Wilmington Today
Wilmington North Carolina is a city that is rich in history and full of life. The residents of the city are continuing writing the history that the first colonists began centuries ago.
