Wilmington is  located in and is the county seat of New Hanover County, North Carolina. Just minutes from nearby beaches is the historic downtown business center and tourist attractions. Hollywood has recognized the beauty of Wilmington as well. The city has provided the backdrop for such movies as Blue Velvet and The Crow as well as the television shows One Tree Hill and Dawson's Creek.
Wilmington History
In the 1600s, immigrants tried to settle in the Cape Fear region on several occasions. The first permanent settlers to establish themselves in the area were of English decent. The town of Wilmington was incorporated in 1739. Many first settlers of the region came from South Carolina and Barbados. The region's natural resources were exploited early on in the region by the landowners. Through the 18th and 19 centuries, the forest was a main source to the major industries in the area.
Navy stores and lumber fueled the economy both before and after the American Revolution. During the Civil War, the port was a major base for Confederated blockade runners. Union forces captured the port in the early part of 1865. The port closed one month later. Since most of the war action was away from actual Wilmington real estate, a number of Antebellum homes and other buildings are still around.
Education in Wilmington
The New Hanover County Schools district oversees the public education of students living in Wilmington real estate. Wilmington schools are comprised of 33 elementary, eight middle and six high schools in the public school system. There are also two charter schools: Cape Fear Center and Wilmington Prep and 84 private schools located in Wilmington.
The town is also home to the Wilmington campus of the University of North Carolina for higher education.
Activities in Wilmington
Wilmington has alot to offer visitors and residents. The Cape Fear Museum, Cameron Art Museum, Bellamy Mansion, Children's Museum, Burgwin-Wright House and Wilmington Railroad Museum are just a few of the museums in Wilmington. The North Carolina Aquarium houses many species of local aquatic life.
The WWII battleship the USS North Carolina is located in Wilmington and is now a memorial open to public tours. The town is home to the USL soccer team, Wilmington Hammerheads, and the training camp of the Charlotte Bobcats.
Wilmington residents enjoy the bounty of local produce every Saturday from April to December at the Riverfront Farmer's Market. There is a huge 4th of July celebration every year on the riverfront, culminating in fireworks shot off the USS North Carolina. Every December, the local schools, community groups, businesses and bands get together and march in the Wilmington Holiday Parade to celebrate the winter holidays.
Wilmington hosts two major festivals each year. The North Carolina Azalea Festival celebrates Wilmington's beautiful gardens, culture, history and artwork with a street fair, art exhibits, music, a circus and a parade in the Spring. Riverfest is held in the Fall to rally the Cape Fear community together to celebrate its beauty and raise funds for renovating Wilmington. |
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Wilmington Demographics
Population: 95,476
Median Family Income: $45,967
Median Home Value: $168,000 |
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