History with ‘Hud’: Remembering when George Washington visited Wilmington
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — This month makes 234 years since our nation’s first president came to town. Although Wilmington has been visited by more than a dozen Commander in Chief’s since, having once been a stop for George Washington stands out in history.
Washington visited the Port City in April of 1791 as part of his southern tour of the newly-independent country in order to better understand the condition of the nation and the needs of the people. Washington began the northern portion of his tour two years prior, but had to delay coming south, due to North Carolina not ratifying the constitution until 1790.
He traveled light, in a small carriage with a wagon carrying his luggage following closely behind. Washington was led into town by the Wilmington Light Horse Guards and greeted to three 15-gun salutes. A grand party was held in his honor by local officials.
Original lodging plans for Washington fell through, so he ended up staying two nights at the home of Mrs. John Quince, near Third and Dock Street. The structure is no longer standing but there is a marker in downtown marking the historical significance.
Washington kept detailed notes during this tour and made record Wilmington houses were good and compact, but all had sand underneath them. He also made mention of the town’s hospitality, along with the naval stores and exports of tobacco, rice and pork.
During his short time in Wilmington, Washington was treated to a military parade through the streets and a special ball was given in his honor at the Assembly Hall, then located on Front Street between Orange and Ann Street. Parents eagerly brought their children to see the President because, as William Blount of North Carolina wrote, “‘such another Man will not again appear in their day.'”
During his time in the region, Washington also made brief stops in present day Brunswick and Pender County. He is believed to have camped or eaten lunch under a large oak tree which became known as the Washington Oak for years.
Washington left Wilmington on April 26, heading for South Carolina and Georgia. He would be back home to Mt. Vernon by early June, concluding his tour of the south.
Although Washington didn’t spend a lot of time in the Port City, his visit still resonates to this day. Every president who has visited or will visit Wilmington is following in the foot steps of when the nation’s first leader rode into town.
Meteorologist Matthew Huddleston (‘Hud’) has always had two major loves – weather and history. While you can watch him talk about weather each morning on WWAY, he looks forward to bringing you a little piece of history each Thursday on WWAY’s website.
To read other History with ‘Hud’ segments, click HERE.
