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

Elizabeth H. Bridgers Mansion

1906

— Charles McMillen, architect / Joseph Schad, contractor —

Elizabeth H. Bridgers Mansion Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

1. Elizabeth H. Bridgers Mansion Marker

Inscription. Neoclassical style house constructed of ashlar Indiana limestone with a full-height portico supported by Ionic columns built for Elizabeth Eagles Haywood (1857-1932), native of Raleigh, NC, widow of Preston Louis Bridgers and matriarch of the Bridgers & McKeithan Lumber Company. House remained in the Bridgers family until 1944. Headquarters of American Legion Post #10 from 1944 to 1972.

Erected by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • 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 1906.

Location. 34° 14.047′ N, 77° 56.771′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in the Historic District. It is at the intersection of South 3rd Street (Business U.S. 17) and Dock Street, on the right when traveling south on South 3rd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 S 3rd 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: James Gibbons (a few steps from this marker); Henry Bacon (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Washington's Southern Tour (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Russell Savage House (within shouting distance of this marker); Wooster House (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Thomas the Apostle Church (within shouting distance of this marker); deRosset House (within shouting distance of this marker); Rose Greenhow (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Confederate Soldiers Monument (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Regarding Elizabeth H. Bridgers Mansion. From the North Carolina Architects & Builders project:

Built for Elizabeth Eagles Haywood Bridgers, widow of Preston Bridgers of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad family, the massive stone house with towering portico is one of the city’s most opulent residences of its day. One of the few stone houses in town, it was built of Indiana limestone. Stonecutter foreman was J. H. Niggel of South Carolina, who remained
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 24, 2024

2. Elizabeth H. Bridgers Mansion Marker
in Wilmington and founded the Carolina Cut Stone Company. The stone, which has been identified as Indiana limestone, was dressed on site.

Also see . . .
1. Whoa, stunning! Graystone Inn located in Wilmington, NC. Circa, 1905. $2,500,000. Archived for-sale blog post includes several photographs of the house, which sold for $2.6 million and is now a bed and breakfast. (Michelle Bowers, "Old House Life", June 18, 2018) (Submitted on January 2, 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 2, 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 2, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,091 times since then and 106 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 27, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.