Wilmington, North Carolina Totally Explained

Everything about Wilmington North Carolina totally explained

Wilmington is a city in New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. The population was estimated at 100,000 as of 2006 making it the eighth largest municipality in the state (External Link

). The Metro area of Wilmington is 532,451 as of February 2008. It is the county seat of New Hanover County. It was named in honor of Spencer Compton, the Earl of Wilmington, who was Prime Minister under George II.
Wilmington was settled on the Cape Fear River and offers its historic downtown with its one mile long Riverwalk as a main tourist attraction. It is minutes away from nearby beaches. The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Wilmington, North Carolina one of its 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations

. City residents have the advantage of living nestled between the river and the ocean with Wrightsville Beach a short 20 minute drive from downtown.
In 2003 the city received, through an act of Congress, the designation of Coast Guard City

. The 210' High Endurance Coast Guard Cutter Diligence's

home port is at the city docks.
Wilmington is also known as the childhood home of basketball great Michael Jordan and journalist David Brinkley; famous Wilmington natives include Robert Ruark, Sonny Jurgenson, Charles Kuralt, Charlie Daniels, Roman Gabriel, Meadowlark Lemon, Trot Nixon, Alge Crumpler and Hilarie Burton. It is also home to the WWII Battleship USS North Carolina (BB-55). Now a war memorial, the ship is open to public tours and is on display across from the downtown port area. The town is home to the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the Wilmington Hammerheads USL soccer team, the training camp site for the Charlotte Bobcats and the Cape Fear Museum

. The city has become a major center of American film and television production; motion pictures such as Blue Velvet, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Empire Records, Cape Fear, Black Knight, 28 Days, and The Crow, as well as television shows such as Matlock, The WB's Dawson's Creek and One Tree Hill have been produced there.

Geography

Wilmington is located at (34.223232, -77.912122).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 41.5 square miles (107.4 km²).41.0 square miles (106.2 km²) of it's land and 0.5 square miles (1.2 km²) of it (1.16%) is water.

Climate

Wilmington has a humid subtropical climate.

Winters are generally cool with temperatures in the 50's and 60's F.
Spring has temperatures in the 70's and 80's. The presence of abundant dense vegetation in the area causes significant pollen dusting in the springtime that tends to turn rooftops and cars yellow.
Summer brings humidity with temperatures in the 80's and 90's F. Heat Indexes can easily break the 100 °F mark. Due to the proximity of warm Atlantic Ocean waters, the area may be hit by a tropical cyclone during the summer, at an average of once every 7 years.
Fall is also generally humid at the beginning, with the same tropical threats as the summer. Temperatures hover mostly in the 70's and 80's. Some of the deciduous trees may lose their leaves; however most trees in the area are evergreens and therefore remain green year-round.

Annual Average High Temperatures: 90 °F (summer) 60 °F (winter)

Annual Average Low Temperatures 72 °F (summer) 38 °F (winter)

Highest Recorded Temperature: 104 °F (1952)

Lowest Recorded Temperature: 0 °F (1989)

Warmest Month: July

Coolest Month: February

Highest Precipitation: July

Annual Precipitation: 57.07 inches

History

Although there had been attempts to settle the Cape Fear region in the 1600s, the first permanent English settlers established themselves in the area in the 1720s. The town of Wilmington was incorporated in 1739. A number of the first settlers of the region came from South Carolina and Barbados. Slavery came early to the region, as landowners used slave labor to exploit the region's natural resources. The forest provided the region's major industries through the 18th and most of the 19th century: naval stores and lumber fueled the economy both before and after the American Revolution. However the most significant event in Wilmington's history is the Coup D'État and Massacre of 1898 (see below).

Civil War

During the Civil War the port was a major base for Confederate blockade runners. It was captured by Union forces only in February of 1865, approximately one month after the fall of Fort Fisher had closed the port. Since almost all the action was some distance from the city itself, a number of Antebellum homes and other buildings are still extant.

Massacre of 1898

In November 1898 Wilmington was the scene of a violent attack by a well-organized group of whites who destroyed the printing press of the African American newspaper The Daily Record and set fire to the building in response to an editorial that "insulted white womanhood", which was credited to editor Alex Manly. The mob then went to the north side of town, where an unknown number of African Americans were murdered by lynching and many hundreds more were run out of town. No whites were killed during the incident.
At the same time, the Republican mayor and city council were forced to resign their offices and the leader of the white mob was then installed as mayor, these events precisely fitting the definition of a coup d'état. The events in Wilmington—which was the largest city in the state at the time—helped make North Carolina into a Democratic Party-controlled state. They also helped institute Jim Crow and disenfranchisement which lasted until the African-American Civil Rights Movement in the United States in the second half of the 20th century.
In 2006 the 1898 Wilmington Race Riot Commission completed its official report

on the event. Comprised of thirteen commissioners appointed by the legislature, the governor, mayor and city council of Wilmington, the commission was assisted by the staff of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. They used the experience of the Rosewood Report (completed 1993), and the Tulsa Report (completed 2001) as a model and set out to provide detailed explanations for the causes and effects of the riots and to propose a series of recommendations to address the wrongs perpetrated by earlier generations. The resolution also apologized to those affected by the riots and their repercussions and renounces these actions.

Demographics

As of the census of 2005, there were 96,354 people, 40,649 households, and 19,398 families residing in the city; according to census bureau estimates, the 2004 population is 93,292. The population density was 1,849.8 people per square mile (714.2/km²). There were 38,678 housing units at an average density of 943.4/sq mi (364.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 70.57% White, 25.82% African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.90% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 1.14% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.63% of the population.
   There were 34,359 households out of which 20.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.5% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 49.5% were non-families. 36.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.10 and the average family size was 2.77.
   In the city the population was spread out with 18.4% under the age of 18, 17.2% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 87.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.0 males.
   The median income for a household in the city was $31,099, and the median income for a family was $41,891. Males had a median income of $30,803 versus $23,423 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,503. About 13.3% of families and 19.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.9% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation

The City of Wilmington offers transient, short-term, & long-term docking facilities

in Historic Downtown Wilmington along the scenic Cape Fear River approximately 15 miles from the Intracoastal Waterway. Docks accommodating vessels up to 200' with 30 and 50 amp power service are available within walking distance to area attractions, hotels, shopping, dining, theater, nightlife, laundry, post office, bank, pharmacy, and supplies.

Interstate Highway: The eastern terminus of I-40 is in Wilmington, sections of I-140 are open, and there are plans to extend I-20 and I-74 to Wilmington.

The Wilmington International Airport serves the area with commercial air service provided by Delta Air Lines and US Airways. The airport is also home to two fixed base operations (FBO's) which currently house over 100 private aircraft. ILM maintains a separate International Terminal providing a full service Federal Inspection Station to clear international flights. This includes U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Dept of Agriculture and the U.S. Dept of Immigration. The airport is a quick 4 mile, 10 minute taxi ride from downtown.

Greyhound Lines offers daily service to Raleigh, NC.

Once in Wilmington the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority, operating as Wave Transit

provides a variety of public transportation options including fixed bus routes, shuttles, and a free downtown trolley .

Bicycle: The NC-DOT Cape Fear Run bicycle route connects Apex to Wilmington and closely parallels the RUSA 600 km brevet route

Business

Wilmington experienced staggering growth in the 1990s, ranking at one point as the second fastest growing city in the country, behind only Las Vegas. Economists have forecasted growth in the Greater Wilmington area to be the strongest in the state between 2004-2010, averaging 7%. Policom

, an independent economic research firm that specializes in analyzing local and state economies, has ranked Wilmington as the 41st strongest economy in the United States, and delivered an "A" rating for economic outlook.
Located on the Cape Fear River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean, Wilmington is a sizable seaport, including private marine terminals and the North Carolina State Ports Authority's Port of Wilmington

. A major international seaport, the North Carolina International Port is being planned down the river in Southport.

Top employers

New Hanover Regional Medical Center

New Hanover County Schools

New Hanover County, North Carolina

City of Wilmington

Media

Newspapers

The Star-News is Wilmington's daily newspaper, owned by the New York Times, and is read widely throughout the Lower Cape Fear region. Two historic African-American newspapers are distributed and published weekly -- The Wilmington Journal and The Challenger Newspapers. Encore Magazine is a weekly arts and entertainment publication.

Television stations

The Wilmington television market is ranked 136 in the United States, and is the smallest DMA in North Carolina. The broadcast stations are as follows:

WWAY, Channel (3), (ABC affiliate)

WECT, Channel (6), (NBC affiliate)

WILM-LP, Channel (10), (CBS affiliate)

WSFX-TV, Channel (26), (Fox affiliate)

WUNJ-TV, Channel (39), (PBS affiliate, part of the UNC-TV Network)

W47CK, Channel (47), (MyNetworkTV affiliate, uses fictional WMYW calls on-air)

W51CW, Channel (51), (TBN affiliate) The region is also served by a cable-only affiliate of The CW, WBW, Channel 29 on Time Warner Cable and Channel 17 on Charter Cable.
On September 8, 2008, WWAY, WECT, WSFX, WILM-LP and W51CW will all turn off their analog signals, making Wilmington the first market in the nation to go digital-only as part of a test by the FCC to iron out transition and reception concerns before the nationwide shutoff, and because the area's digital channel positions will remain unchanged after the transition . WUNJ won't participate and will keep their analog signal on until the national digital switchover date of February 17, 2009, as they're the official area conduit of emergency information in the area. W47CK won't particpate due to their low-power status; FCC rules currently exempts low-powered stations from the 2009 analog shutdown. WILM-LP and W51CW has chosen to participate, even though they're exempt as LPTV stations.

Radio stations

88.1 FM WGHW - Christian Programs from Church Planters Of America

88.5 FM WZDG - Christian Rock ("88.5, The Edge")

88.9 FM WKVC - Contemporary Christian ("K-Love")

89.7 FM WDVV - Worship & Praise Music("The Dove, 89.7")

90.5 FM WWIL - Christian Music & Teaching Programs("Life 90.5")

91.3 FM WHQR - Public Radio

92.3 FM WQSL - Urban Contemporary ("92.3, The Touch")

92.7 FM WBPL - Catholic Programs ("Relevant Radio")

93.7 FM WNTB - Talk Radio ("The Big Talker FM")

94.5 FM WKXS - Classic Hits ("94.5, The Hawk")

95.5 FM W238AV - Contemporary Christian ("K-LOVE")

95.9 FM W240AS - Christian Programs from WOTJ, Morehead City

97.3 FM WMNX - Hip Hop/R & B ("Coast 97.3")

98.3 FM WSFM - Alternative ("Surf 98.3")

98.7 FM WLGD - Popular Latin music ("La Grand D")

99.9 FM WKXB - Oldies ("Jammin' 99.9")

100.5 FM W263BA - Contemporary Christian ("K-LOVE")

101.3 FM WWQQ- Country ("Double Q, 101")

102.7 FM WGNI - Hot AC ("102.7 GNI")

103.7 FM WBNE - Classic Rock (103.7,"The Bone")

104.5 FM WILT - Adult Hits ("Will FM")

105.5 FM WXQR - Rock ("Rock 105")

106.3 FM WLTT - Talk Radio ("The Big Talker FM")

106.7 FM WUIN - Variety Hits ("The Penguin")

107.5 FM WAZO - Top 40 ("Z 107.5")

630 AM WMFD - Sports ("ESPN Radio, AM 630")

980 AM WAAV - News, Talk, Sports ("News, Talk, & Sports 980 The Wave")

1180 AM WMYT - Spanish Christian ("Radio Alegre")

1340 AM WLSG - Southern Gospel ("God's Country, 1340")

1490 AM WWIL - Urban Gospel ("Gospel Joy, 1490")

Performing Arts

The city supports a very active calender with its showcase theater, the Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

, hosting about 250 events annually. The complex has been in continuous operation since it opened in 1858 and houses three performance venues, the Main Stage, the Grand Ballroom, and the Studio Theater.
The University of North Carolina at Wilmington College of Arts and Science

Departments of Theatre, Music and Art share a state-of-the-art, $34 million Cultural Arts Building which opened in December 2006. The production area consists of a music recital hall, art gallery, and two theatres. Sponsored events include 4 theater productions a year.
The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra

was established in 1971 and offers throughout the year a series of five classical performances, and a Free Family Concert. Local stages include:

Red Barn Studio

Level 5 at City Stage

Opera House

Music

Wilmington is also home to numerous music festivals.

One of the largest DIY festivals, the Wilmington Exchange Festival

, which happens over a period of 5 days around Memorial Day each year. It is currently in its 12th year.

Celebrating its 28th year The North Carolina Jazz Festival

is a three-day traditional jazz festival which features world-renowned jazz musicians.

The Blues Society of the Lower Cape Fear

was formed in 1987 by a small group of blues supporters in Wilmington, N.C. The Cape Fear Blues Festival is a cultural fixture in the region and a rising star throughout the national blues industry. The festival features local, regional & national acts at a Main Stage Concert, All-Day Blues Jam, Blues Cruise, Kick-Off Party, and Blues Workshops.

Sports

Club	League	Venue	Established	Championships
Wilmington Sharks	CPL, Baseball	Buck Hardee Field at Legion Stadium	1997	2
Wilmington Sea Dawgs	PBL, Basketball	Joe and Barbara Schwartz Center	2006	0
Wilmington Hammerheads	USL, Soccer	Legion Stadium	1996	1

The Wilmington Sharks are a Coastal Plain League (CPL) baseball team in Wilmington that was founded in 1997 and was among the charter organizations when the CPL was formed that same year. The roster is made up of top collegiate baseball players fine-tuning their skills using wood bats to prepare for professional baseball. Their stadium is located at Buck Hardee Field at Legion Stadium in Wilmington.
   The Wilmington Sea Dawgs are a Premier Basketball League (PBL) team in Wilmington that began its inaugural season with the American Basketball Association (ABA) in November 2006.
   The Wilmington Hammerheads are a professional soccer team based in Wilmington, North Carolina. They were founded in 1996 and currently play in the United Soccer Leagues Second Division. Their stadium is the Legion Stadium.
   The University of North Carolina Wilmington sponsors 19 intercollegiate sports and has held Division 1 membership in the NCAA since 1977. UNCW competes in the Colonial Athletic Association and has been a member since 1984.
   The Cape Fear Rugby Football Club is an amateur rugby club playing in USA Rugby South Division II. They were founded in 1974 and hosts the annual Cape Fear Sevens Tournament held over the 4th of July weekend; hosting teams from all over the world. They own their own rugby pitch located at 21st and Chestnut St.

Shopping

Westfield Shopping Center

Lumina Station

The Cotton Exchange

Mayfaire Town Center

The Black Cat Shoppe in Historic Wilmington

Dining

Cape Fear Restaurants Menu and Dining Guide

Connections to film and the entertainment industry

Motion picture studio EUE/Screen Gems is located in Wilmington

Production company Inspire Productions

is located in Wilmington

Over 300 movies, TV shows, commercials and music videos have been filmed in Wilmington

The 1986 film Maximum Overdrive was filmed in and around Wilmington.

Wilmington was used as the scenery for the major filming of The WB's Dawson's Creek between 1998 and 2003.

The CW TV series One Tree Hill is filmed in Wilmington.

The television series Surface was filmed in Wilmington during the 2005-2006 season before its cancellation.

Actor Brandon Lee died in Wilmington.

Country musician Charlie Daniels was born here in 1936.

The movie A Walk to Remember was filmed in and around Wilmington.

The movie The List was filmed in and around Wilmington.

The movie Domestic Disturbance was filmed in and around Wilmington.

The movie Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood was filmed in and around Wilmington.

The movie Super Mario Bros. was filmed in Wilmington.

The movie Blue Velvet was filmed in Wilmington.

The 1986 heavy metal horror film Trick or Treat was filmed in Wilmington.

Miles Christian Daniels documentary, "Dixie Queen," was filmed in Wilmington and profiles many from Wilmington's LGBT community.

See these and even more actual film & TV locations while visiting Wilmington Hollywood Location Walking Tour

Sister cities

Wilmington is a sister city with the following cities:

Dandong, China - 1986

Doncaster, United Kingdom - 1989

Bridgetown, Barbados - 2004

Points of interest

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Airlie Gardens

Cape Fear Museum

The Children's Museum of Wilmington

Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

Cape Fear Serpentarium

EUE Screen Gems

North Carolina Azalea Festival

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

New Hanover County Extension Service Arboretum

University of North Carolina at Wilmington Arboretum

USS North Carolina Memorial

Sunset Park Historic District

The Bellamy Mansion

The Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington & The Haunted Pub Crawl

Pirate & Unusual Tales Walk of Old Wilmington

Educational Institutions

Universities and Colleges

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington supports a student population of more than 15,000 students on a 650 acre campus.

Cape Fear Community College

operates from two campus locations, one in downtown Wilmington the other in Northern New Hanover County. Over 26,000 students take classes each year at the college with enrollment in credit programs now topping 7,200.

Elementary

Walter L. Parsley

Carolina Beach

Anderson

Wrightsboro

Wrightsville Beach

Holly Tree

Bellamy

Alderman

Winter Park

Blair

Bradley Creek

Codington

College Park

Eaton

Forest Hills

Gregory_{Math/Sci/Tech}

Johnson

Lake Forest

Murrayville

Ogden

Pine Valley

Freeman

Snipes

Sunset Park

Williams

Pre-K Centers

Howe

NHCS

Roe

Notable Wilmingtonians

Eugene Ashley, Jr. - Medal of Honor recipient (Vietnam; awarded posthumously), was born in Wilmington in 1930 or 1931.

Robert Ruark - sportsman and popular syndicated writer during the 1940s-1950s, born in Wilmington in 1915 and graduated from New Hanover High School.

David Brinkley - a popular American television newscaster for NBC and later ABC, was born in Wilmington in 1920.

Michael Jordan - an American basketball player, grew up in Wilmington.

Charles Kuralt - an award-winning American journalist, was born in Wilmington in 1934.

Meadowlark Lemon - an American basketball player and actor, was born in Wilmington in 1932.

Thomas Peters - an early founder of Sierra Leone, who escaped from slavery in Wilmington at the beginning of the American Revolution.

Captain William Gordon Rutherfurd - commanded the HMS Swiftsure during the Battle of Trafalgar, was born in Wilmington in 1765.

Sonny Jurgenson -- former NFL (Washington Redskins) quarterback

Willie Stargell -- former Pittsburg Pirate (MLB)Further Information

Get more info on 'Wilmington North Carolina'.

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