In the heart of historic downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, stands a house steeped in colonial charm and ghostly whispers—the Burgwin-Wright House. With its classic Georgian architecture, rich Revolutionary War history, and chilling tales of paranormal activity, this house is a must-visit for lovers of both history and the unexplained. Whether you’re strolling its lush gardens or exploring its dimly lit rooms, the Burgwin-Wright House invites you to step back in time and perhaps even encounter those who never truly left. For ghost hunters and history buffs alike, this is one Southern landmark where the past lingers in more ways than one.
The History
Colonial Origins and Prominent Residents
The story of the Burgwin-Wright House begins in 1770, making it one of the oldest surviving structures in Wilmington. The house was constructed on the foundation of a former city jail built in 1744. Much of the foundation and basement level still incorporate architectural elements from that jail, providing an eerie and unique starting point for any historical investigation.
The property was commissioned by John Burgwin, a wealthy merchant and public official who sought a grand home to suit his rising social rank. Burgwin was connected to British colonial administration, yet he also maintained strong business ties with Revolutionary figures—an indication of the complex loyalties in Wilmington during the American Revolution.
In 1799, the home was sold to Joshua Grainger Wright, a member of another prominent Wilmington family, and it remained in the Wright family until the mid-1800s. Over the years, both the Burgwin and Wright families hosted elaborate gatherings, and their influence became embedded in the story of early Wilmington.
Architecture and Preservation
Constructed in the Georgian style, the Burgwin-Wright House boasts symmetrical brickwork, a stunning side garden, and authentic period furnishings that transport visitors back to the 18th century. The estate includes a kitchen house, slave quarters, a carriage house, and original outbuildings—rare survivals from pre-Revolutionary Wilmington.
In the 20th century, as modern development grew, the house faced potential demolition. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of North Carolina, the home was purchased and preserved in 1937. The Dames restored the property to its former colonial glory, making it one of the best-preserved examples of Georgian architecture south of Virginia.
Today, the house functions as a museum open to the public, offering guided tours and educational programs. But for those who see beyond the polished wood floors and inviting gardens, there’s a deeper, more spectral narrative waiting to be uncovered…
The Haunt
Historic homes often come with old spirits, and the Burgwin-Wright House is no exception. Paranormal investigators and staff alike have long reported unexplained events that defy logic—phenomena that suggest Wilmington’s colonial dead might still be lingering.
The Spirits Below: Haunted Remnants of the Old Jail
Perhaps the most chilling area of the property is its basement, which once served as the city jail in the 1740s. There are stories of prisoners who perished unjustly—or violently—within those stone walls. Visitors have reported cold spots, footsteps echoing on the stairway when no one is present, and an overwhelming feeling of dread in the basement corridor. Paranormal investigators equipped with EMF detectors and EVP recorders have recorded mysterious voices, including fragments such as “please” and “don’t leave.”
The Lady in White
Several guests and tour guides have spotted an apparition of a woman in a flowing white gown walking slowly on the staircase and disappearing into the upper levels. Some say she is a member of the Wright family, lost in eternal mourning. Others believe she may be the spirit of a woman imprisoned in the old jail, seeking freedom she never attained. Her appearances are often accompanied by a sudden drop in temperature and an overwhelming scent of lavender.
Spectral Shadows and Invisible Witnesses
In the main parlor room, docents have reported unexplained shadows flickering across the walls and furniture moving ever so slightly when no visitors are present. One former guide described seeing a rocking chair swaying on its own, with the air around it thick and still. Cameras have failed to capture these movements, but EVPs and “ghost box” sessions have returned unsettling phrases like “watching” and “stay out.”
Otherworldly Whispers in the Kitchen House
The separate kitchen house, historically used by enslaved people and servants, has its own layer of paranormal interest. During evening tours, ghost hunters have picked up disembodied whispers in what sounds like Gullah or other African dialects. Photographs have shown orbs, light anomalies, and even vague outlines of human figures standing near the fireplace.
Whether these apparitions are lingering spirits trapped by injustice, or simply residual energy from traumatic past events, their continued presence adds an undeniable mystique to the Burgwin-Wright House. Staff members often comment that while the spirits don’t seem malevolent, they do seem aware—and curious—of the living.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Ghost Hunters and History Enthusiasts
The Burgwin-Wright House is more than a beautifully restored colonial home—it’s a bridge between centuries, where history and mystery collide. For ghost hunters, its storied past and consistent reports of paranormal activity make it a compelling investigation site. You’ll walk the same halls as some of North Carolina’s early colonial elites, but you might also catch whispers of their unsettled counterparts.
Whether you’re wielding a flashlight and EMF meter or simply absorbing the historical atmosphere, this house offers an unforgettable experience. Take the guided tour by day for rich tales of Revolution-era life—or join one of the popular ghost tours by night for encounters that might leave your spine tingling. Don’t forget your recording equipment; you never know who—or what—might try to communicate from the other side.
If you find yourself in Wilmington, the Burgwin-Wright House should absolutely be on your haunted travel itinerary. History haunts every corner of this beautiful structure, and it’s waiting for you to uncover its secrets.