This Stunning Southern Mansion Reveals Secrets About Its Civil War Past
Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington, N.C. is a true historic gem
Past Lane Pursuits is a weekly newsletter of Past Lane Travels, a history/travel blog that provides inspiration for discovering historical sites, hidden gems and small towns.
Some links in this newsletter may be affiliate links.
Grand and Stately Bellamy Mansion
Hello fellow History and Travel Lovers!
I have a real treat for you today. The Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington, N.C. is one of the few mansion tours I’ve been on where you can see the WHOLE house — from the basement to the tippy top!
Nestled in the heart of Wilmington, this grand home stands as a testament to both Southern history and architectural grandeur. Constructed between 1859 and 1861, the 10,000-square-foot, 22-room house showcases a harmonious blend of Greek Revival and Italianate styles.
Commissioned by Dr. John D. Bellamy, a prominent physician and merchant, the mansion was brought to life through the skilled craftsmanship of both enslaved and free Black artisans.
Exploring the Mansion's Rooms
Visitors to the Bellamy Mansion Museum are invited to embark on a self-guided tour that spans from the basement to the belvedere, offering an amazing glimpse into 19th-century life. As you traverse the grand halls and intricately designed rooms, you'll be able to explore:
The Formal Parlor: Once the epicenter of social gatherings, this room boasts ornate plasterwork and period furnishings that reflect the elegance of the era.
The Dining Room: A space where the Bellamy family entertained guests, featuring a grand table set as it would have been for formal dinners, surrounded by original woodwork and fixtures.
The Bedrooms: Each bedroom offers a unique perspective on the personal lives of the Bellamy family members.
The Slave Quarters: Among the few preserved urban slave quarters in the country, this area provides a poignant insight into the lives of the enslaved individuals who built and maintained the mansion.
Inside the slaves quarters.
Exploring Bellamy
The original slave quarters contains a laundry room, two privies, and four sleeping chambers.
In addition to the above mentioned rooms in the house, you can explore the basement, which includes the kitchen, ironing room, butler’s pantry and formal dining room.
The house is immense. Get ready to climb stairs as you explore the second and third floors and then the Belvedere!
Visiting Hours and Tour Information
The Bellamy Mansion Museum welcomes guests throughout the week with the following schedule:
Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission Prices: The museum offers various ticket options to accommodate all visitors.
Self-Guided Tours:
Adults (17-64): $15
Seniors (65+), Active/Retired Military with ID: $14
Students (6-16): $7.50
Children (0-5): Free
Premium Guided Tours:
Adults: $20
Students: $10
Plan Your Visit
Visitors are encouraged to bring a smartphone for the audio tour; using earbuds or headphones will enhance the experience.
The mansion and carriage house visitor center are both air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable visit year-round.
While the mansion's historic structure requires navigating multiple flights of stairs and is not fully handicapped accessible, a 30-minute video tour is available for those with limited mobility.
☛ Old Words
Here is this week’s old word!
Quagswag (verb)
Definition: An old English word meaning to shake or move back and forth.
Sample Sentence: The rickety old bridge began to quagswag under the weight of the travelers, making them hesitant to cross.
History Trivia
Answer to Last Week’s Trivia Quiz: Congratulations to those who answered Moore’s Creek Bridge for the North Carolina Revolutionary War Battle that only last three minutes. You must have paid attention to my earlier newsletter! Thank you!
☛ This Week’s Trivia Question: Give it a try!
Answer in next week’s newsletter.
Until next time… Happy Travels!
Jessica
👇👇 Need a private flight? You might be surprised how affordable it is! 👇👇
