Historic Homes, Art and History Museums and Much More

Amidst downtown Wilmington's quaint shops and restaurants, visitors will find North Carolina's largest collection of historic homes and buildings. The most significant of these is the Burgwin-Wright House, built in 1781 and occupied during the Revolutionary War by Lord Charles Cornwallis shortly before his defeat and surrender at Yorktown, Virginia.

Equally impressive is the Bellamy Mansion, one of North Carolina's most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture. Built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, the home was commandeered by Federal troops in 1865 as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington.

Thalian Hall is both an architectural treasure and a premier destination for the arts. The oldest community theater in the United States, this beautifully renovated building hosts a myriad of plays, opera, children's theater, films, concerts and dance performances.

Wilmington also boasts numerous museums, showcasing art, history and children's exhibitions. For a unique perspective of the city's rich and colorful history, drop by the Cape Fear Museum, North Carolina's oldest history museum.

The restored World War II Battleship North Carolina on Eagles Island is berthed just across the river from downtown Wilmington and the 32-acre Screen Gems Studio, the largest full service motion picture facility in the country east of California, provides tours.