Wilmington has a unique and rich history.  From legendary Civil War Battles to infamous ghost lore this area has an interesting past. A few historical highlights: Wilmington was actually one of the last strongholds of the Confederacy and it was also a place where the legendary Underground Railroad thrived.

The history of The Hoge-Wood House Bed & Breakfast is just as interesting as the city itself.  Upon moving into the house in 1994, Page and Larry extensively researched the structure's past to apply for historic recognition.  The large plague to the left of the front door was awarded a year later and since then the house has been officially named The Peyton Harrison Hoge House. 

Originally, the Hoge Wood House Land was owned by James Sprunt, one of the city’s forefathers. Later sold to Mary Stewart Holiday Hoge and her husband the Reverend Peyton Harrison Hoge, a minister at the oldest Presbyterian Church in the Wilmington. Dr. Hoge designed the house, which was built using Carolina White Pine and Cypress timbers.  Another interesting fact, in 1901 Dr. Hoge performed the marriage ceremony of Mary Lily Kenan and Henry M. Flagler.  Flagler was the cofounder of Standard Oil Company, and built a private rail line into Kenansville from Warsaw to especially accommodate the arriving wedding guests.  Another former owner was Dr. Edward Jenner Wood.  He was recognized as an authority on Pellagra-Sprue (a tropical disease) and was also son of Thomas Fanning Wood, MD, known as the “father of public health” in North Carolina.

While this beautiful Queen Anne-style house has been lovingly restored and renovated, its exterior is remarkably unchanged since it was erected in 1891.  We encourage you to visit the several museums and historical sites in the area.  From The Cape Fear Museum, the Bellamy Mansion, the Cornwalis House, the Burgwin-Wright House, to Fort Fisher you will learn of Wilmington's amazing past.