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

Smith-Longley House

1921

— James F. Gause, architect —

Smith-Longley House Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 23, 2024

1. Smith-Longley House Marker

Inscription. Colonial Revival style house built for Kirby Smith (1883-1976), native of Forreston, Illinois, US Navy admiral and veteran of World War I and World War II; and wife, Lannie Van Vleck (1887-unknown), native of Hudson, NY. Purchased in 1928 by Henry Earl Longley (1883-1951), native of Dalton, GA, owner of Longley Plumbing and Supply Company; and wife, Delean Ayres (1902-1982), native of Orangeburg, SC. Owned by St. John's Episcopal Church from 1965 to 1969 and used as church rectory.

Erected by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Military • Religion & Religious Structures. 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 1921.

Location. 34° 14.334′ N, 77° 55.84′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is at the intersection of North 15th Street and Chestnut Street, on the left when traveling north on North 15th Street.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 N 15th 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: Evans House (within shouting distance of this marker); McCabe-Bellamy House (within shouting distance of this marker); Snell House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Warren S. Johnson House (about 400 feet away); Calder-Stevens Bungalow (about 400 feet away); Bergen-Carpender House (about 500 feet away); Marshall House (about 500 feet away); Harrison-Norden House (about 500 feet

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 24, 2024

2. Smith-Longley House Marker

Marker is at the top of the right sidelight window.

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

Regarding Smith-Longley House. Kirby Smith was a civil engineer in the U.S. Navy. During World War I, he oversaw the Navy Yards and Docks Bureau's newly established aviation section, which focused on building overseas air bases. In May 1943, he was promoted to the rank of rear admiral in the United States Naval Reserve. He died in the Atlanta area and is buried in the national cemetery in Marietta, Georgia.

Also see . . . Carolina Heights Historic District (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination for the district, which includes this property as contributing and was listed in 1999. (Prepared by Beth Keane; via National Archives) (Submitted on February 1, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 259 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 1, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.