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

Northrop-Oldham House

c. 1829

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

1. Northrop-Oldham House Marker

Inscription. Federal style house built for Isaac Northrop (1796-1862), native of Connecticut, owner of tanning and currying business; and wife, Susan Harriss (1812-1862). Remained in family until 1869. Purchased in 1910 by Captain William P. Oldham (1836-1918), Confederate officer and commission merchant and wife, Sallie Pickett (1846-1935). Remained in family until 1966.

Erected by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. 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 1829.

Location. 34° 13.935′ N, 77° 56.814′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in the Historic District. It is on South 2nd Street north of Ann Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 213 S 2nd 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: Whitehead-Smith House (a few steps from this marker); Evans-Mercer-Tusch House (a few steps from this marker); Davis-Warshauer House (within shouting distance of this

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marker); Sebrell House (within shouting distance of this marker); Sloan-Powers House (within shouting distance of this marker); Wright-Murphy House (within shouting distance of this marker); Elliott-Brown House (within shouting distance of this marker); Cowan House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Regarding Northrop-Oldham House. Northrop (with John M. VanCleff) established a tanyard on Second Street in 1826. Six years later he founded what would become Wilmington Mills, one of the largest sawmills in the Southeast. While tending to victims of a yellow fever epidemic in 1862, Northrop died from the disease himself. Oldham, a captain in the 44th North Carolina Regiment, operated a grain mill on Dock Street, among other business pursuits.

Also see . . .
1. Northrop-Oldham House. Historic plaque application contains more-detailed information about the property and its owners/occupants through the years. First of four parts. Links to following sections in box at right. (New Hanover County Public

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 24, 2024

2. Northrop-Oldham House Marker

Library) (Submitted on January 1, 2025, 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 January 1, 2025, 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 January 1, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 301 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 27, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.