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

Gabriel Johnston

1699-1752

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

1. Gabriel Johnston Marker

Inscription. Royal Governor of North Carolina 1734-52.
Named this city for his patron, Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, and encouraged its growth as a seaport. He urged the increase of immigration, education, commerce and agriculture, brought about the first codification of laws and the establishment of the first printing press in the colony, and caused the boundary with South Carolina to be laid off.

Erected 1971 by The Lower Cape Fear Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Communications • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1734.

Location. 34° 14.213′ N, 77° 56.734′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in Riverfront. Marker is on Princess Street just east of North 3rd Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located near the sidewalk, on the south side of Wilmington City Hall/Thalian Hall. 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. StarNews Media Time Capsule (a few steps from this marker); Colonel James Innes (within shouting distance of this marker); Freedom Flame (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (within shouting distance of this marker); President William H. Taft (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S. Maine Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilmington City Hall (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. Gabriel Johnston.

Gabriel Johnston was born in Scotland in 1699. He was a physician, political writer, and professor of Oriental languages at the University of St. Andrews. Gabriel Johnston was a British colonial official who served as the sixth governor of North Carolina from 1734 until his death in 1752. He was the longest serving governor, holding the office for 18 years.

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

2. Gabriel Johnston.

During his term of office, the first printer was brought to the colony and the first newspaper was published. The laws of
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

2. Gabriel Johnston Marker
the colony were collected and printed. Forts were built along the coast for protection from Spanish depredation. A rent roll was drawn up. New counties were formed as the colony expanded towards the west. The governor introduced new agricultural methods at his plantation, Brompton, in Bladen County. Above all, he encouraged immigration, notably of his fellow Scots, so that the population of the province increased threefold during his tenure.

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

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

3. Gabriel Johnston Marker

(looking north from Princess Street • Wilmington City Hall / Thalian Hall in background)

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 53 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 1, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.