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

Old Jail

c. 1785; 1906, c. 1940; 1980

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

1. Old Jail Marker

Inscription. Walls and framing survive from early county jail (1785-1854). Occupied variously as blacksmith, cabinet and carriage shops (1881-1906). Converted to commercial/professional building in 1906, Henry E. Bonitz, architect. Additional facade renovations c. 1940 and 1980.

Erected by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement. 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 1785.

Location. 34° 14.2′ N, 77° 56.844′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in Riverfront. It is at the intersection of Princess Street and North 2nd Street, on the right when traveling west on Princess Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 Princess St, Wilmington NC 28401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain and on the Cape Fear Coast.

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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: Quinlivan Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Here Stood the Residence of William Hooper (within shouting distance of this marker); Betts-Haar Building (within shouting distance of this marker); D. R. Foster Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cape Fear Club (about 300 feet away); William Hooper (about 400 feet away); Gore Building (about 400 feet away); Thalian Hall (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Also see . . .
1. Wilmington Historic District (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination for the district, which includes

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

2. Old Jail Marker

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 20, 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 20, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 229 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 16, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.