The Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts is considered today one of the finest examples of antebellum mansions in the state. It was originally built by black artisans, both free and enslaved, for John Dillard Bellamy and his family just before the Civil War broke out. When Fort Fisher fell in 1865, however, federal troops had taken command of the house.

Today, the place showcases changing exhibitions that focus on the history of design in North Carolina. When you head northeast of the property, you?ll be able to view a brick structure which used to serve as slave quarters. Also of note are The Bellamy Gardens, which had been lovingly built and designed by John Bellamy?s wife. The formal gardens feature curving pathways, elliptical flowerbeds, and crushed oyster shells loosely paving the walkways.