The history of C.W. Worth House, a North Carolina bed and breakfast, began with Charles W. Worth who was a wholesale grocery merchant, as well as a commission merchant in cotton and naval stores at the turn of the 20th century. These areas of commerce were the mainstays of the Wilmington economy before and shortly after the War Between the States. He diversified the family business after Reconstruction by acquiring the Cape Fear Machine Works.
His father, David Gaston Worth, was the only son of North Carolina Governor Jonathan Worth of Asheboro. Among notable Worth ancestors, the family tree includes Daniel Webster and Benjamin Franklin.
Charles W. Worth purchased the property at 412 South 3rd Street in 1889. He had an existing home on the property moved and began construction of the Queen Anne-style home. It was completed in 1893, and the Worth family resided in the home until 1944. The C.W. Worth House became a bed and breakfast in 1985 and remains the longest operating bed and breakfast in historic Wilmington.
According to research done by a local historian, the C.W. Worth House architecturally, is a unique example in the region of the combined influences of French sixteenth century chateau and nineteenth century English Queen Anne styles. C.W. Worth, also known locally as the wedding cake house or a Queen Anne confectionery is just one of the sights you may see while turning Wilmington by Trolley, carriage or on foot.