1 Battleship Rd
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-5797
The Bellamy Mansion is one of North Carolina's most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture. It was built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. The Mansion offers an exquisite backdrop to create an event of historic proportions. Far from your typical banquet hall, the Mansion is one of North Carolina's premier historic treasures, featuring lush gardens, grand columns, wrap-around porches, brass chandeliers, Victorian-style carpets, ornate molding, and marble fireplaces. The museums gallery spaces feature changing exhibits on architectural history, historic preservation and the designs arts. You and your guests will enjoy an event in close proximity to beaches, shopping, nightlife, restaurants, the historic riverwalk, and plenty of charming B&Bs and hotels.
Basement is the only surviving section of the Orton Hotel which was built in 1886 for Col. Kenneth Murchison (1831-1906. Billiard and pool rooms, steam laundry, bakery, and bar room installed during the 1888 enlargement by W.A. Bryan, proprietor. After hotel burned in 1949, pool room continued to operate. On November 13, 1953, pocket billiards champion Willie Mosconi set a new world's record by pocketing 365 balls.
We’re one of the oldest pubs in downtown Wilmington, dating back to the days of Orton Hotel when Longstreet’s was the barber shop. Come in for all the stories about how Tom Berenger once owned the place, how we’ve got a resident ghost, and — lest we forget — the largest urinal this side of the Mason-Dixon line! We’re a fun place with great libations, warm atmosphere, and a variety of distractions from your normal routine
"Keeping the Past Present" is the goal of The Lower Cape Fear Historical Society. Through our lectures, special events, and our archival collection we educate the public about the role the Lower Cape Fear region has played throughout history. We are located at the Latimer House, a Victorian era home that was built in 1852. This furnished house is available for tours Monday - Friday at 11:00 and 1:00 and Saturday on the hour from 10:00-2:00. We also offer a walking tour of historic Wilmington, Saturdays at 10 AM. Archives use is by appointment only. Come visit us!
From the historic downtown river district and Riverwalk that winds around the storied Cape Fear River to three colorful island beaches, Wilmington and our beach towns, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach, all charm visitors and residents alike with an independent spirit and energy that nourishes and recharges the soul. Surrounded by water, history, and natural beauty, it's the ideal place for a vacation or weekend getaway.
The Basilica Shrine of St. Mary is a Roman Catholic basilica in Wilmington, North Carolina, in the Diocese of Raleigh.ArchitectureIts historic main church is of the Spanish Baroque style. It was designed by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino, who is known for his work on the Biltmore Estate, Basilica of St. Lawrence, and Duke Chapel. The church was constructed without wooden or steel beams and without nails, instead using brick tile.HistoryWilmington’s Roman Catholic origins are with the 1820 organization of the Charleston Diocese in South Carolina under Bishop John England. He visited Wilmington regularly from 1821 to 1843. On January 1, 1845, the Rev. Thomas Murphy (1806–1863) was appointed Pastor of the Congregation of Wilmington, North Carolina. Under his supervision, the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle was built and completed in 1847. The Church was named a pro-cathedral when Cardinal James Gibbons took up residence as Vicar Apostolic of North Carolina in 1868. St. Thomas Church closed in 1966 and the parish merged with St. Mary Parish. The former church building is now known as Saint Thomas Preservation Hall.
The Castle Street Market operates the 1st and third Saturday of each month in the lot across from Michael Moore Antiques (539 Castle St.)