The Cotton Exchange of Wilmington, North Carolina

The Cotton Exchange of Wilmington, North Carolina is a historic building complex that dates back to the early twentieth century. The original eight buildings are connected by brick walkways and open courtyards. The historic buildings have been transformed into a retail and dining complex, which now features over 30 shops and restaurants. Visitors can shop in the historic building complex or take advantage of the numerous seasonal fairs and festivals held at the Cotton Exchange. Learn more.

The Cotton Exchange of Wilmington is located on North Front Street in downtown Wilmington. It was the first downtown complex built in North Carolina and has been the model for other downtown revitalization projects throughout the state. The Cotton Exchange was also the first place in North Carolina where an existing building was restored to a new use.

The Cotton Exchange began as a trading office. It was chartered to establish rules for the pricing of cotton. It provided a centralized office for traders to meet. Its goal was to bring order to a highly speculative system of cotton prices. It was founded in February 1871 by a group of leaders in the cotton industry. In the early 1900s, Alexander Sprunt was a leading cotton exporter and the owner of the Cotton Exchange.

In the late 1800s, the Cotton Exchange was known as the “Wall Street” of New Orleans. It served as the center of the Mississippi Valley cotton production and the centralized trading office for buyers and sellers. A steam elevator and Corinthian columns graced the facade of the building. The Cotton Exchange also featured a fountain. In 1907, an ornate trading room was installed. Additional info.

The Cotton Exchange was a thriving business, but by the early 1950s, the city had lost its status as a premier cotton port. Government regulations and foreign competition made it more difficult to stay in business. Only one cotton factor remained in the area in 1949. In the late 1960s, the downtown area looked like a ghost town. The city hoped that bringing businesses back to the downtown would make a difference.

By the 1970s, the Cotton Exchange had lost its original structure, but the building had been renovated to serve as retail space. Its structural problems were largely traced to the lack of foundation pilings. In 1975, repairs were carried out. The building was sold to the Cotton Exchange in 1962, but the Cotton Exchange continued to operate it for the next two years.

When the Cotton Exchange was refurbished in the 1970s, it was a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving history. It became a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was listed as unsafe in 1916. However, the building was saved by the efforts of a few dedicated local preservationists.

The Cotton Exchange is now the headquarters of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce. It also serves as a place to celebrate the culture of the South. The complex is surrounded by beautiful courtyards, and the exterior features a red brick facade. The Cotton Exchange has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Check it out here.

Driving direction from Cape Fear Pro Wash to The Cotton Exchange

Driving direction from The Cotton Exchange to Cape Fear Seafood Company