Wilmington tea walk honors American Revolutionary history

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A pivotal moment in American history was commemorated Thursday in downtown Wilmington, as community members gathered to honor a 1775 protest that helped set the stage for the American Revolution.

One by one, women participating in the reenactment dumped tea into a burning barrel, recreating a defining moment in history.

Market Street was filled with a parade of patriots as the Wilmington Ladies Tea Walk brought the American Revolutionary era back to life.

“The Wilmington women walked in procession, solemn procession, to the waterfront where the burn barrels were, and they burned the little bit of tea they had left from the embargo by the British in protest of British taxation,” said Ann Moore.

Moore, chair of The Wilmington Ladies Tea Walk, said the event represents more than just a symbolic act.

“It was the last act of rebellion in North Carolina before the Revolutionary War started, and the fact it was an event that women did is amazing because they weren’t allowed to have that voice in that manner,” she said.

The reenactment was hosted by the Burgwin-Wright House, the only structure from the colonial era in Wilmington open to the public.

“It was an honor to be the backdrop for this event because this house has been here at the corner of 3rd and Market, the center of town, for 256 years. Not only has it seen this procession, it lived through it, but its inhabitants likely participated as well,” said Christine Lamberton, the museum’s director.

Lamberton said the large turnout shows interest in history is very much alive.

“‘Oh, people don’t like history.’ That is false, and this is a testament to that. People want to learn, people want to celebrate, and people want to honor their history,” she said.

Moore said organizers plan to continue the reenactment for the next 8 years to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America.