Moving Companies Wilmington, NC

Wilmington, North Carolina

Nestled on the banks of the Cape Fear River, Wilmington is a charming port city situated in the southeastern part of North Carolina. Although not a city based on tourism, it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. Those moving to Wilmington, will discover a unique blend of natural and social elements, convenient location and moderate climate.

History:
The history of this region dates back to the early half of the 16th century when Giovanni da Verrazano became the first European explorer to settle in the area. And in 1739, the city of Wilmington was founded. During its early years as a city, Wilmington found most of its first generation settlers to come from the regions of Barbados and South Carolina. With this came the custom of slavery. With the turn of the century, as industrialization started making its presence felt, the vast forest reserves began being exploited. A good part of the 18th century and the entire 19th century marked considerable industrial growth in a region that relied heavily on forestry. Both prior to and immediately after the American Revolution, the lumber industry and the naval stores were instrumental in fuelling the economy of Wilmington. By the time of the Civil War began, Wilmington was already a major port city on the Atlantic Ocean. The port was instrumental for trading the indigenous tobacco and cotton in lieu of the foreign goods such as clothing, munitions, as well as foodstuffs. In the year 1862, a ship brought sailors infected with yellow fever that soon spread all across the region. This resulted in a sort of paralysis of the otherwise thriving port city. During World War I and World War II, the city experienced an increase in the shipbuilding industry, and the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company became prominent during the 1940s. The State Port Authority was approved in 1945, and since has been a major factor in the region’s economy. In 1990, Interstate 40 opened, prompting tourism to boom and Wilmington to earn the distinction as one of the fastest developing American cities.

Economy:
Companies working in service industries such as health care, banking, trade and manufacturing remain Wilmington's largest employers. The Wilmington area is home to some of the world's most prominent technology companies, including DuPont, AstraZeneca and Andersen Consulting. The Delaware Technology Park in Newark is host to more than 49 technology-driven businesses. Delaware is a national corporate center, and more than half of the Fortune500 charter their operations in the city because of the state's favorable corporate franchise tax laws.

More than 60 banks located in Wilmington. MBNA Bank is the area's largest employer with more than 11,000 workers. American Life Insurance Company's world headquarters is an impressive anchor in the city's developing Christina Gateway, a commercial hub encompassing the eastern sector to the waterfront. Chase Manhattan has invested millions of dollars in downtown offices, as have PNC, First Union, First USA, and Beneficial National Bank. Manufacturers Hanover has relocated a portion of its domestic lending operation to the city as well. Other large manufacturing companies with operations in the Wilmington region include Daimler-Chrysler and Ciba-Geigy.

Tourism:
Head to downtown Wilmington where you can enjoy the beautiful Riverwalk, or take a stroll through the charming historic district. Wilmington’s historic district is made up of nearly 230 city blocks of antebellum homes, churches, cemeteries and buildings. There are also many museums, including the WWII Battleship North Carolina. For the golfer, the city offers
several top-rate golf courses, ranging from smaller par 3’s to professional style courses. Next, grab your pole and fish from the pier at nearby Wrightsville, Kure and Carolina beaches or charter a boat for some deep-sea fishing. For the shopper in the group, the city offers a number of excellent shopping locations where you will find unique boutiques, corner stores as well as large retailers. At night, Wilmington comes alive with a variety of nightclubs, bars, theaters and music venues.

Colleges/Universities:
• Wilmington University
• Delaware Technical & Community College
• University of North Carolina Wilmington

Interesting Facts:
• Wilmington is nicknamed “Port City.”
• The city has been the filming site for many movies and television shows including "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" and the TV show "One Tree Hill."
• Wilmington is the hometown of legendary basketball great Michal Jordan.

Helpful Links:
• Wilmington Real Estate
• Wilmington Storage Facility
• Wilmington Insurance
• Wilmington Dental Offices
• Wilmington Moving Guide