Wilmington, North Carolina, to 1861 / by Alan D. Watson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Watson, Alan D., 1942-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Wilmington (N.C.)--History--18th century.

Wilmington (N.C.).

Wilmington (N.C.)--History--19th century.

Physical Description:

vii, 315 pages : illustrations, maps ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland & Co., [2003]

Summary:

This book presents the history of Wilmington from its founding and development to the eve of the Civil War. Part I traces Wilmington's history from its incorporation in 1739-40 to 1789, when North Carolina joined the newly formed United States. This section focuses on the confused and disputed origins of Wilmington, life in a colonial urban setting, the growing importance of the port, and town governance.

Part II covers the years 1789 to 1861, and examines the economic development of the port, the wide variety of social activities, the growth of the African American population, and Wilmington's role in state and national politics.

Contents:

The emergence of a town

Early American life

A developing economy

Colonial politics

The growth of a town

The African American experience

Fellowship, fraternity, association

Education, enlightenment, and culture

Urban government

An expanding economy

Antebellum politics.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 283-292) and index.

ISBN:

0786414278

OCLC:

50803330