New Hanover County

New Hanover County, North Carolina is an area with a rich and vibrant history. Originally established in 1729 as part of the Crown Colony of North Carolina, it has seen a great many changes over its almost 300 year existence. In 1861, Wilmington became one of the last strongholds to fall under Confederate control; this allowed shipments coming into Wilmington to reach Confederate forces across the southern states. After the Civil War ended, New Hanover County soon began to change, beginning with advances in rail technology and continuing with indigenous cultural movements that pushed into new ways of living. Today, New Hanover County shows the impact civil rights have had on the area: it’s home to a thriving local art scene and strong African American presence in government and civic life. This is only a brief overview of how much New Hanover County has grown from its past to become what it is today!