USS-North Carolina is Welcomed to Wilmington
In 1961, the World War II-era USS North Carolina was put into its final position at high tide here in Wilmington. The journey began in September as the battleship left dry dock...
Wilmington Gets a Kmart (1973)
In 1973, The S.S. Kresge Company signed a lease for the construction of a K-Mart discount department store at 815 South College Rd. The 94,500 square foot store would open 8...
Public Drunkeness Becomes Legal (1978)
In 1978, Public drunkenness officially became legal. Prior to the recent law being passed, one could be jailed for being drunk in public. However, the new law now states that someone...
Hospital Sales Moves Forward (2020)
In 2020, Judge Phyllis Gorham denied the Save Our Hospital’s motion for a Temporary Restraining Order to delay the sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health, clearing the...
Hurricane Floyd (1999)
In 1999, Hurrican Floyd made landfall near Bald Head Island just ten days after after Tropical Storm Dennis dumped 6 to 16 inches of rain across the eastern part of the...
Wilmington College Opens (1947)
In 1947, Wilmington College officially opened with classes being held at New Hanover High School from 4 to 9 PM. Reportedly, over 200 students enrolled, and there were 17 faculty members....
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater (1962)
In 1962, Greenfield Amphitheater was dedicated with an urgent appeal for the people of Wilmington and Southeastern North Carolina to help “create an age of culture in the life of our...
Surf Motel (1981)
In 1981, the Surf Motel opened on Wrightsville Beach. The 5-month 2.5 million dollar project added 45 rooms to Wrightsville’s rental inventory. However, the project was not without controversy. Each unit...
The Cape Fear Hotel (1977)
In 1977, Wilmington’s Housing Policy Task Force recommended that the Cape Fear Hotel, located at 2nd and Chestnut, should be renovated as federally funded housing for the elderly.
