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

Purnell-Empie-Block House

c. 1851

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

1. Purnell-Empie-Block House Marker

Inscription. Italianate style house built for Eliza Ann Purnell (1822-1890), eldest daughter of Governor Edward Dudley. Purchased in 1857 by Adam Empie, Jr. (1821-1877), attorney; and wife, Virginia Gwathmey (1830-1918). Remained in Empie family until 1943. Purchased and preserved as rentals in 1966 by Hannah Solomon Block (1913-2009), Wilmington City Council member, USO volunteer and entertainer for the soldiers during second World War. First plaque awarded by the Historic Wilmington Foundation in 1966.

Erected 1966 by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc. (Marker Number 1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Women. 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 1851.

Location. 34° 13.842′ N, 77° 56.88′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in Riverfront. It is on South Front Street north of Nun Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 319 S Front 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.

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: Dudley-Chadbourn House (a few steps from this marker); Fishblate-McQueen House

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Honnet House (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain John Harper House (within shouting distance of this marker); William Dick House (within shouting distance of this marker); Parker-Saunders House (within shouting distance of this marker); Baptist Hill House (within shouting distance of this marker); Frederick J. Lord House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Regarding Purnell-Empie-Block House. Adam Empie, Jr. was the son of Rev. Adam Empie, Sr., a prominent Protestant Episcopal minister who was the U.S. Military Academy at West Point's first chaplain and a president of William and Mary College. Empie, Jr. attended West Point and later graduated from the University of Virginia. He began his legal career in Richmond, Va. before returning to Wilmington, where he practiced for more than 30 years. He and wife, Virginia Gwathmey, had nine children.

Also see . . .
1. Restoration of 34-Room Wilmington, N. C., House Uncovers Hidden History.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

2. Purnell-Empie-Block House Marker

With a small assist from the FBI. the former Purnell-Empie House has been researched and restored. (Preservation News, May 1969; via Cornell University Libraries) (Submitted on December 26, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. 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 26, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

3. 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 26, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 249 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 26, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.