With
a mild climate, a deep-water port, and island beaches, the Cape Fear
River Coast has always attracted visitors. The first were French
and Spanish explorers, followed by British colonists. Later visitors
stayed to found the community of Wilmington about 1732. Settlers
prospered as traders of cotton, rice, tar, and other ship building
products led the region to become economically powerful.
As a major import-export center of the
South, the city was also visited by the Blockade Runners of the
Civil War. Wilmington was the last Atlantic port open to the
confederacy when its protector; Fort Fisher, fell to troops during
the largest naval bombardment of the nineteenth century.
Today's visitor can relive the city's
exciting past and glimpse into its promising future. Wilmington
continues the restoration of its promising future. Wilmington
continues the restoration of its Historic District, and prospers
in the present day contributions of industry, commerce, and education.
This community of 100,000 can boast of international industries,
an active seaport, a major film industry, and the campus of the
University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
We welcome you to visit the Historic
city by the sea, to relax in its warmth, to enjoy its natural
beauty, and to experience the finest of Southern Hospitality.
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