Cotton Exchange of Wilmington

The Cotton Exchange of Wilmington is a shopping complex in downtown Wilmington that occupies eight restored buildings from the late 1800s. The complex holds more than 20 retail shops and dining establishments throughout its connected spaces.

The site functioned as Wilmington's primary center for cotton trading until 1950, making the city the largest cotton exporter on the eastern coast. The buildings were later restored to preserve this important commercial heritage.

The buildings display exposed walls made from ships' ballast stones and weathered wooden beams that speak to their role in maritime trade. Walking through the complex, you sense the practical craftsmanship of 19th-century harbor workers and merchants.

The complex is located downtown and accessible on foot with multiple entry points throughout the connected buildings. It works well to wander at a leisurely pace to explore all the sections and shops, since the structures are linked together internally.

Many of the stones in the walls come from ships' cargo ballast that sailors brought to stabilize their vessels during voyages. These recycled building materials reveal how port cities creatively reused available resources.

Location: North Carolina

GPS coordinates: 34.23950,-77.94930

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:01