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

Wilkinson Alley

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

1. Wilkinson Alley Marker

Inscription. Named for William Wilkinson, colonial merchant and part owner of a rum distillery, who was a constable and justice of the peace. During the Revolutionary War, he served as deputy chairman of the Wilmington-New Hanover County Committee of Safety. Wilkinson died in 1780, leaving a portion of his estate to help finance the construction of a Presbyterian church.

Erected by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc. city of wilmington.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina, Historic Wilmington Foundation series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1780.

Location. 34° 14.076′ N, 77° 56.922′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in Riverfront. It is at the intersection of South Front Street and Wilkinson Alley, on the right when traveling south on South Front Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 22 S Front St, Wilmington NC 28401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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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: Todd Building (a few steps from this marker); George Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); Ahrens Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Ofiesh-Plisco Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); J.W. Brooks Building (about 300 feet away); Court House of New Hanover County (about 300 feet away); General Benjamin Smith (about 300 feet away); Bradley-Green Building (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Regarding Wilkinson Alley. Excerpt from NCPedia:

Wilkinson, William d. September–November 1780
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

2. Wilkinson Alley Marker
William Wilkinson, Revolutionary leader in New Hanover County, was a member of the Safety Committee in 1775 and 1776, serving as deputy chairman in November 1775. He was a member of the committee to collect carriage guns and swivels in 1775 and of numerous local action groups during the war. Wilkinson also was paymaster for several independent companies of troops, a merchant, a constable of the peace, and a member of St. James's Anglican Church, of which he was a warden. In partnership with Cornelius Harnett he owned a rum distillery located on the Cape Fear River between Walnut and Red Cross streets as well as the schooner Mary.

In his will dated 22 September and proved in November 1780, he left property to his brother Robert of Duplin County. To his nephew William Wilkinson he left his house and lot in Wilmington near the church. Each of the other children of Robert received £5; William Maclaine, son of Archibald, £500; Elizabeth, the wife of Archibald Maclaine, £250; the Reverend James Tate, £5 yearly and the forgiveness of debts due Wilkinson; and William Henry Hill, the son of William Hill, £250. The will also provided £500 to
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build a Presbyterian church in Wilmington. To nephew John, the son of his brother Thomas, Wilkinson left his silver watch, buckles, buttons, and silver plate. He also freed a female slave and her daughter and supplied funds to establish them in Philadelphia on condition that they wash, mend, and make clothes for his nephew, John Wilkinson, during the time he was in school in Philadelphia. To Cornelius Harnett and Archibald Maclaine he left a cask, about thirty to forty gallons, of his oldest rum to be equally divided between them.

There is no evidence that Wilkinson ever married.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 198 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 26, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.