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

Major James Reilly House

c. 1838

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

1. Major James Reilly House Marker

Inscription. Greek Revival style house built as investment property for William A. Wright (1807-1878), lawyer. Additions made in 1850 when purchased by Alexander McLennan (1820-1856), store clerk and native of Montgomery County. From 1874 to 1883 residence of Major James Reilly (1822-1895), native of Ireland and Confederate artillery officer who commanded the last defenders of Fort Fisher when it fell in January 1865. During his ownership, he was superintendant of Taylor's Ferry between Wilmington and Eagles Island. Renovated in Queen Anne style in 1888.

Erected by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. 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 1838.

Location. 34° 14.05′ N, 77° 56.497′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in the Historic District. It is on South 6th Street south of Dock Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 S 6th 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

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walking distance of this marker: William A. Vollers House (within shouting distance of this marker); Haar House (within shouting distance of this marker); Smith-Gore House (within shouting distance of this marker); Singletary House (within shouting distance of this marker); Fennell-Croom House (within shouting distance of this marker); Hashagen House (within shouting distance of this marker); Martin-Crouch House (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain Skinner House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

More about this marker. Reilly died in 1894, not 1895 as stated in the marker.

Also see . . .
1. 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 19, 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;

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 24, 2024

2. Major James Reilly House Marker

via North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office) (Submitted on January 19, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Major James Reilly obituary image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller

3. Major James Reilly obituary

Published in the Nov. 7, 1894 edition of The Morning Star in Wilmington.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 126 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 19, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.