The history and importance behind Graystone Inn

Wilmington, NC (WWAY)– The Graystone Inn, also known as the Elizabeth Bridgers mansion, was once home to the Bridgers family. Work on the building began in 1905 and was completed a year later. It was sold to American Legion Post 10 in the 1940s.

According to Beth Rutledge, a former Executive Director of the Historic Wilmington Foundation, the mansion has been many things from business offices to an event venue, to even a bed and breakfast. Rutledge says the mansion is significant to the area and that it’s not just a building.

“Someone may have never been into the Bridgers mansion before, but they have used it as a landmark. They have driven past it like when someone says turn right on the big stone house. It’s part of our town just as much as the people who live here and all of us who call it home. Wilmington has eight unique historic districts; we treasure our old buildings like nobody else”, said Rutledge.