A Colorful History of Wilmington, NC

Two hundred years after European explorers first ventured upon the Cape Fear River, British settlers established a colony using the swift-moving waterway for the transportation of goods. Named after the Earl of Wilmington, the city flourished as a major port, shipbuilding center and producer of pine forest products.

Throughout the history of this seaport city, the river would continue to play a vital role in its success. During the Civil War, Wilmington served as the Confederacy's most important port. Fort Fisher and the Cape Fear River were home to many blockade-runners who brought materials from England and the Caribbean islands.

After the war, cotton, rice, peanuts and lumber helped turn Wilmington into a major trading force-and the state's largest city. The river gained prominence again in the 20th century, giving rise to a thriving shipbuilding industry fueled by two world wars.

Today, the river serves as a scenic vista for a revitalized downtown. The continuing restoration of the area's historic homes and buildings has added to the charm and allure of this Carolina coastal town, now home to several major corporations and a booming film industry.