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

William B. McKoy House

Built 1887

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

1. William B. McKoy House Marker

Inscription. Stick style house built as a residence for W.B. McKoy, (1852-1928), attorney and Past Grand Master of Masons of N.C., and wife, Katherine Bacon (1858-1949). Home of daughter Elizabeth Francenia McKoy, (1887-1984) local historian, researcher, and author. House remains in family. Plans by Gui Bono published in Carpentry and Building, 1886, and altered by local architect James F. Post; Alfred Howe, Carpenter.

Erected by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. 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 1887.

Location. 34° 13.821′ N, 77° 56.74′ 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 Nun Street, on the right when traveling south on South 3rd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 402 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: Edward B. Dudley (a few steps from this marker); Allen-Woodward House (a few steps from this marker); Chadbourn-Donnell House

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(within shouting distance of this marker); James Sprunt (within shouting distance of this marker); Gregory Normal Institute (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles W. Worth House (within shouting distance of this marker); King-Meares House (within shouting distance of this marker); Kenly-Whitehead House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Regarding William B. McKoy House. From the University of North Carolina-Wilmington Library Center for Southeast North Carolina Archives and History:

William Berry McKoy was born December 24, 1833 in Wilmington, North Carolina to William Henry McKoy and Francenia Eliza Berry McKoy. He attended private schools in Wilmington, including the school of Reverend Daniel Morrelle and Cape Fear Academy. He attended Princeton University from 1872 to 1876, graduating with a degree in chemistry. McKoy then read law with George V. Strong in Raleigh, North Carolina. Upon his admittance to the North Carolina bar in June 1879, McKoy returned to Wilmington to practice law, specializing in title law until his retirement in 1922.

In
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 24, 2024

2. William B. McKoy House Marker
1876, McKoy organized the Historic and Scientific Society of Wilmington. He was a Democrat and was a member of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce in 1897 and elected as an attorney for the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners in May 1898. McKoy was a chairman of the State Democratic Executive Committee during the Wilmington Coup d’état of 1898. McKoy organized the Mechanics Building and Loan Association and was their attorney. He was also a member of the Wilmington Light Infantry. In 1913, McKoy was appointed by N.C. Governor Locke Craig as a delegate to the Southern Sociological Congress in Atlanta.

In 1879, McKoy was initiated as a Mason at Wilmington Lodge #319 A. F. and A. M. and was elected Secretary in 1882 and Master of the lodge 1898, 1899, and 1904. In 1912, McKoy was elected Grand Master of the Masonic order in North Carolina. He was also a member of Sudan Temple of the Shrine. McKoy was interested in local history, genealogy, and Masonry and conducted research, wrote articles, and delivered speeches on related topics.

McKoy married Katherine Bacon on December 15, 1886, with whom he would have five children. William B. McKoy died November 16, 1928 in Wilmington.

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

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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 6, 2025, 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 January 6, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 385 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 6, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.