Riverfront in Wilmington in New Hanover County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Beginning of Wilmington

Beginning of Wilmington Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

1. Beginning of Wilmington Marker

Inscription. The beginning of Wilmington was opposite the junction of the rivers, in 1730, and called New Liverpool. In 1733 a settlement was made at the foot of Market Street, named Newton, and here Gov. Gabriel Johnston and other officials located in 1734. In May 1735, the Colonial Council and courts were held here. In 1739 the town was incorporated as Wilmington and given a representative in the General Assembly.

Erected 1919 by New Hanover Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1730.

Location. 34° 14.23′ N, 77° 56.759′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in Riverfront. Marker is on North 3rd Street just north of Princess Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is mounted on the left [north] side of the Wilmington City Hall front staircase. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 North 3rd Street, Wilmington NC 28401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wilmington City Hall (a few steps from this marker); U.S.S. Maine Memorial (a few steps from this marker); President William H. Taft (a few steps from this marker); Thalian Hall (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Major General Joseph A. McNeil (within shouting distance of this marker); America's Only Thunder Roll (within shouting distance of this marker); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilmington & New Hanover County War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Also see . . .
1. Wilmington Historical Overview.

Wilmington (incorporated in 1739) eventually became the center of trade, politics and culture for the region. Named after Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, the city was formerly known as New Carthage, New Liverpool and Newton. The port city prospered because of its proximity to the Cape Fear River.

(Submitted on June 1, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Wilmington History.

Some early settlers of Wilmington came from the Albemarle and Pamlico regions, as well as from the colonies of Virginia and South Carolina, but most new settlers migrated from the northern colonies, the West Indies, and Northern Europe. Many of the early settlers were indentured
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

2. Beginning of Wilmington Marker
(marker is mounted on left side of staircase)
servants from Northern Europe.

(Submitted on June 1, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Wilmington City Hall (<i>west elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

3. Wilmington City Hall (west elevation)

(marker is mounted on left side of staircase)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 74 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 1, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.