Conversations from Our Porch- Real Estate in Southport NC: Southport: The Historic District

The Historic District of Southport

In the state of North Carolina, you will be hard pressed to find a coastal town with more historical value than Southport. This quaint town has lasted through the revolutionary & civil wars and its touch of southern elegance can still be felt to this day. This blog will give you a brief history of Southport and how it has molded the historic district of Southport to this day.

History of Southport

Located 25 miles south of Wilmington, Southport was originally named Smithville. Back in 1792, this town's sole means of commerce was river piloting. Business wavered with too many pilots and not enough ships. Nearly one-hundred years passed before the town was "rechristened" with the name of Southport. This was to revitalize and re-brand the city as the leading seaport of the southeast. This deep water harbor gave Southport a commercial advantage over other coastal ports and it opened the doors for more business to thrive. As a consequence, real estate prices began to rise and hundreds of new properties were erected.

City planners were in talks with investors to plan a railroad line from the city to the Piedmont region to stamp this city as the state's main port. However, these talks eventually fell through the cracks and a railroad wasn't put in place until Wilmington had surpassed it as the "Port City". The realization that Southport would only ever be a pleasant small town, began to set in.

This may have been disappointing to the city's investors during that time, but it is what residents of Southport cherish most about the place they now call home.

The Historic District of Southport Today...

The historic district of Southport has managed to preserve the 19th century look with classical Victorian style architecture. Over the years the city's meandering streets have withstood the test of time, giving Southport that retro appearance. Waterfront properties rest on gorgeous landscapes, accompanied by aged live oak trees. All these traits embody the culture of the residents that make up this lovely town.

Southport has become a leading destination for those looking to retire along the coast. Southport is popular for its tranquil atmosphere, but there is still much to do in this small town. As it sits on the mouth of the Cape Fear River, fishing and other boating activities are abundant year round. In fact the 2015 U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament just recently took place here. Avid boaters have multiple marinas at their disposal to leave their boats at. These marinas mirror the neighborly vibe that carries on throughout this community. For those interested in arts and culture, you won't have to look far to find some of the finest art galleries along the coast. Franklin Square, Howe Outrageous and Ricky Evans galleries are three of the most popular in the historic district of Southport. Every Fourth of July there entire community gathers along the shore to watch a renowned firework display that is a tradition carried for some decades now.

Properties in Southport

With less than a 30 minute commute to Wilmington, home owners have the luxury of owning properties in a quiet community, with the up-tempo pace of a larger city just a reach away. This sense of unity and relaxed pace of life promotes a friendly neighborly vibe, making it common for neighbors to stop and share friendly conversations in passing. The properties throughout Southport carry a sense of Southern Charm, that have been maintained to stamp their place in time. Have a look at this aerial video that illustrates the character of southern charm carried on throughout Southport.