special offers
AccommodationsArts & EntertainmentAttractionsBusiness OpportunitiesCateringCommunitiesEducationFestivalsGolfHealthcareReal Estate For SaleRestaurantsSalons/SpasShoppingWater ActivitiesWeddingsWelcomeWineries
Carolina, Kure BeachFigure Eight IslandHampsteadOak IslandSouthportTopsail IslandWrightsville Beach
Attractions Sublinks
So Much to See and Do100+ Species of SnakesAquarium In Fort FisherBattleship North CarolinaCape Fear MuseumEspecially For KidsHenrietta III RiverboatHistorically Significant ChurchesLovely Greenfield ParkPoplar Grove PlantationProfessional Sports TeamsWilmington’s Film IndustryWilmington’s Historic HomesWilmington Railroad MuseumWilmington Trolley TourYear-Round Beauty At Airlie Gardens
Wilmington’s Historic Homes
Located downtown within walking distance of each other are three houses of considerable historic significance, all of which may be toured.
Burgwin-Wright House
As the oldest restored museum house in southeastern North Carolina, the Burgwin-Wright House was built in 1770. John Burgwin, a merchant, planter and treasurer of the colony of Carolina, erected the house on the foundation of an old jail. Temporarily occupied by Lord Cornwallis before his fateful departure for Yorktown, this splendid Georgian style house contains authentic furnishings and is surrounded by seven beautifully terraced gardens. Demonstrations of colonial open hearth cooking are presented in the kitchen one Saturday per month.
Bellamy Mansion
Built between 1859 and 1861 by enslaved artisans and carpenters, Bellamy Mansion is a spectacular example of antebellum architecture. The property, occupied by Dr. John Bellamy, his wife and nine children, consists of the 22-room mansion, restored gardens, recently reconstructed carriage house and slave quarters, also scheduled for restoration.
Latimer House
Latimer House, built in 1852 and currently occupied by the Historical Society, is an example of upper class life in Wilmington during the Victorian period. Originally occupied by local merchant Zebulon Latimer, the 19-room Italianate style home houses over 600 historical objects. The Latimer House gardens and fountain, enclosed in original stucco and lace trim walls, have been restored with flora of the period.