Rhinehart Collection of Lower Cape Fear Historical Documents

This collection contains late 18th century and 19th century documents related to areas in and around the Lower Cape Fear region of Southeast North Carolina, including parts of South Carolina. Material includes agreements, indentures, land deeds, bills of sale, and land surveys, the bulk of which focus on Brunswick County and Duplin County and connect to the Bellamy and Hill families.

Early 20th century photographs of the Historic Kenan House in Wilmington, North Carolina and images related to the wedding of heiress and philanthropist Sarah Graham Kenan are included. The collection also contains a sermon, meeting minutes, and early organizational information related to the Baptist State Convention of 1833 and subsequent founding of Wake Forest University.

Notable names on the documents include but are not limited to: William Hill, John Bellame [sic], Dr. John D. Bellamy, Mary E. Bellamy, Captain William Green, and Major General John Ashe; North Carolina Governors Samuel Johnston, Alexander Martin, and David Reid; and noted photographers Bayard Wootten and Theodore C. Marceau.