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

Smith-Gore House

circa 1866

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

1. Smith-Gore House Marker

Inscription. Built by James C. Smith, (1830-1888) Commission Merchant and occupied by his family. In 1853 he married Mary Ann Costin, daughter of Miles Costin. The property remained in family until 1890. When it was purchased by Daniel Lenox Gore and remained in family until 1960. William Bryant Cooper, Lt. Governor of North Carolina 1921-1925, resided here from 1932-1959.

Erected by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), and the North Carolina, Historic Wilmington Foundation series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.

Location. 34° 14.08′ N, 77° 56.482′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in the Historic District. It is on Dock Street east of South 6th Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 608 Dock St, Wilmington NC 28401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s

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Coastal Plain and on the Cape Fear Coast.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fennell-Croom House (a few steps from this marker); Elizabeth H. Vollers House (within shouting distance of this marker); Elizabeth Vollers House (within shouting distance of this marker); Harriss House (within shouting distance of this marker); Jacob Weil House (within shouting distance of this marker); Williams-Clark House (within shouting distance of this marker); Singletary House (within shouting distance of this marker); Haar House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Regarding Smith-Gore House. Daniel Lenox Gore

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

2. Smith-Gore House Marker

(1847-1925) founded D.L. Gore Co., one of the largest wholesale grocers in the Southeastern United States in its time. He also held extensive land holdings, including rental houses such as this one. Gore Athletic Field and Gore Gymnasium at Wake Forest University are named after him and son Claude, who funded their construction.

Also see . . .
1. Wilmington Historic District (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination for the district, which includes this property and was listed in 1974. (Prepared by Survey and Planning Unit, North Carolina Division of Archives and History; via North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office) (Submitted on December 17, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Wilmington Historic District Boundary Expansion and Additional Documentation (PDF). National Register nomination that expanded the district in 2003. (Prepared by Sherry Joines Wyatt and L. Robbie King; via North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office) (Submitted on December 17, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

William Bryant Cooper (1867–1959) image. Click for full size.

State Archives of North Carolina via Flickr (Public Domain)

3. William Bryant Cooper (1867–1959)

He served under Gov. Cameron Morrison as North Carolina's 14th lieutenant governor. He was a prominent banker and businessman in Wilmington, owning a general mercantile business and serving as president of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. His wife, Frances Ada Gore, was a daughter of D.L. Gore.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 195 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 16, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on December 17, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.