Historic District in Wilmington in New Hanover County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
George R. French House
Built 1850
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024
1. George R. French House Marker
Erected by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. 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 1850.
Location. 34° 14.063′ N, 77° 56.661′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in the Historic District. It is at the intersection of South 4th Street and Dock Street, on the left when traveling south on South 4th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103 S 4th 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: William A. French House (a few steps from this marker); Howard Hanby House (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Hanby House (within shouting distance of this marker); Riley-Moore House (within shouting distance of this marker); John Hanby House (within shouting distance of this marker);
this page online
Regarding George R. French House. From the New Hanover County Public Library:
Born in Massachusetts in 1802, George Reade French Sr. was a noted merchant in the Port City, especially as a shoe salesman. In addition to selling footwear, he later became president of the Bank of Wilmington, president and director of Oakdale Cemetery, and was an active member of the First Baptist Church. Built in 1873, the George R. French Building at 116 N. Front Street in downtown Wilmington was the city's first iron-front and steel-frame structure. George Sr. died in 1889. George Reade French Jr. continued to manage his father's footwear venture until his own death in 1915. Father and son are both buried in Oakdale Cemetery. The French House, built in 1850, still stands at 103 S. 4th Street.
Also see . . .
1. Wilmington Historic District (PDF). National Register of
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 24, 2024
2. George R. French House Marker
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 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Duane Hamilton Hurd (1883) via Google Books (Public Domain)
3. George Reade French, Sr.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 162 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
