North Carolina's principal deepwater port is Wilmington, which is on the Cape Fear River. The city is a leading port for creosote and petroleum products, fertilizer, molasses and wood pulp. There are historic areas on the riverfront such as the Cotton Exchange and Chandler's Wharf, which have been renovated for shops and restaurants.
As Colonial capital in 1743, Wilmington was the scene of Stamp Act resistance in 1765. British forces took the city and established their headquarters during the winter of 1780-81. As one of the principal ports of the Confederacy, Wilmington maintained communications with foreign governments until 1865 when nearby Fort Fisher fell to Union forces.
Wilmington is full of color during the North Carolina Azalea Festival in early April. Activities include garden tours, parades and a horse show. And Riverfest in early October offers arts and crafts shows as well as music and dance programs. Old Wilmington by Candlelight, a tour of historic homes, occurs the first weekend of December.
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