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

McGary-Brown-Davis House

1852; 1910

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

1. McGary-Brown-Davis House Marker

Inscription. Neoclassical Revival style house built in 1852 in the Greek Revival style for Elizabeth Payne McGary (1811-1915), native of Massachusetts, school teacher. Purchased in 1875 by Alexander Davidson Brown (1837-1917), native of Dundee, Scotland, dry goods merchant; and wife, Elizabeth Manuel (1843-1911), native of Ohio. They altered the house to its current appearance. Purchased in 1932 by Clarence Wright Davis, Sr. (1890-1961), wholesale grocer; and wife, Mary Grafflin (1892-1985), who made further alterations.

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 1852.

Location. 34° 13.955′ N, 77° 56.563′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in the Historic District. It is on South 5th Avenue north of Ann Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 215 S 5th

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Ave, 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: Deans-Maffitt House (a few steps from this marker); St. Mary Rectory (within shouting distance of this marker); Ebert-Artis House (within shouting distance of this marker); Basilica Shrine of Saint Mary (within shouting distance of this marker); Woodbury-Hoggard House (within shouting distance of this marker); Harriss-James House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gore-Johnson House (about 300 feet away); Wallace House (about 300 feet away).

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 24, 2024

2. McGary-Brown-Davis House Marker

Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Also see . . .
1. Elizabeth Payne Keller McGary. Find a Grave entry includes a photograph and news article about her. (Submitted on January 14, 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 14, 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 14, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Alexander Davidson Brown obituary image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller

3. Alexander Davidson Brown obituary

Appeared in the Oct. 17, 1917 edition of The Morning Star in Wilmington.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 14, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.