Historic Homes In Downtown Wilmington

Located downtown within walking distance of each other are three houses of considerable historic significance, all of which may be toured.

Burwin-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.