1898 Memorial Park

A Dark Chapter in American History

Situated on North 3rd Street in Wilmington sits a park that tells a story few Americans know about. The 1898 Memorial Park commemorates what many historians consider unthinkable - the only successful coup d'état ever carried out on American soil. In 1898, a white supremacist mob violently overthrew Wilmington's legally elected biracial government and killed an unknown number of Black residents.

This isn't your typical park with swings and picnic tables. Instead, it's a quiet space that acknowledges the destruction of African American businesses and lives during what some refer to as the Wilmington Riots of 1898. Walking through this space, you can feel the weight of history and its importance to understanding Wilmington's complex past.

Art That Speaks Volumes

At the heart of the park stands sculptor Ayokunle Odeleye's powerful memorial. Six tall, bronze paddles - each reaching 16 feet into the sky - form an arc that immediately captures your attention. These aren't random design elements; the paddles symbolize water's significance in African spiritual traditions.

In front of these towering sculptures sits a curved bronze wall that does the critical work of storytelling. Inscribed on its surface, you'll discover a detailed account of what actually happened in 1898 - history that for too long went untold in mainstream narratives.

A Thoughtful Layout

The park's design encourages reflection through features like the Peace Circle and Hope Circle - brick and concrete areas ringed by short columns bearing plaques listing those who contributed to making this memorial possible.

A simple brick walkway guides you from the parking area to the memorial itself. The minimalist design seems intentional - there's nothing to distract from the serious contemplation this place deserves.

What to Expect When Visiting

Don't come here expecting recreational facilities. You won't find restrooms, playgrounds, or picnic areas. What you will find is a tranquil environment perfectly suited for learning and reflection.

The memorial creates a meaningful space that offers genuine insight into a chapter of Wilmington's history that's essential to understand the city as it exists today.

More Than a Monument

Dedicated on November 8, 2008, this park represents Wilmington's commitment to facing its difficult past honestly. It's a place where education, contemplation, and community healing can happen naturally.

If you're visiting Wilmington and want to understand the forces that have shaped this community, the 1898 Memorial Park offers something you won't find in tourist brochures - a chance to engage with history that continues to resonate more than a century later.