Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
In 1898, North Carolina's government was overthrown by a white supremacist coup - the only successful coup d'état in American history. Wilmington saw the worst violence, with a horrific massacre terrorizing the city. This historian-guided tour seeks to educate and inform locals and visitors about this tragic and important part of American history.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Wilmington
Guests will travel between various sites associated with the Wilmington Coup/Massacre of 1898, including the homes of victims and perpetrators, important locations of speeches, and much more.
What‘s Included
Guide included
Bottled water
Options
Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour
Reviews
29 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
If you're a history buff, you will love this
Edward R,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour is actually about two hours.So make sure you wear some comfortable shoes. The tour was excellent. Our guide was very knowledgeable. He did not just talk about what happened on that date. But all the events leading up to what happened on the massacre. I would definitely recommend this tour for any history buffs
Excellent history lesson that still resonates
A3648MNwilliaml,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. The tour leader Max was very knowledgeable and brought out all the beliefs and societal and political forces that caused the coup. It was interesting to learn that a lot of planning went into the coup, it didn't just happen. The connections to the Spanish-American War, also in 1898, added a lot. It's an important piece of history.
Great History Tour
Angela M,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Max is an articulate and captivating storyteller…and obviously a great student of history! As we walked (with timely rest stops along the way), he did a phenomenal job describing both the key players and critical events leading up to and including November 10th, 1898…while presenting all key points clearly, audibly, and in a logical fashion. In addition, he always ensured the safety of his group (there were 8 of us) as we navigated the historic streets of Wilmington. Highly recommend this tour if you enjoy history…you won’t be disappointed!
Come prepared physically and mentally
Cherita A,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wear good and comfortable walking shoes! This is a walking tour. There are a couple of opportunities to sit while the guide talks, but depends on the size of the group if you get a seat. That being said Max, out guide, was so informative and full of knowledge and care for the history. While I already knew about the massacre, Max provided details and timelines that I had not heard of before as well as its context within the larger political landscape at the time. I enthusiastically highly recommend this tour!
Great tour guide, great history, good walk around historic district.
Karolina W,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour was amazing. Max did a wonderful job telling the entire *true* story of the Wilmington Coup, giving us the opportunity to ask questions, understand everything that happened and the order of events. I highly recommend Max as a tour guide, everyone should take the time to learn our city’s history and political background. Thank you, Max, for your time, care and dedication to our history.
Thoughtful, Worthwhile Tour of Difficult History
Brook W,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide did a fantastic job telling the horrible story of the 1898 Wilmington Coup and Massacre. He took us to places both marked and unmarked where the events unfolded, brought in first-person accounts and oral histories, and shared many resources for how to learn more about this “criminally under-discussed” event in American history. Highly recommended.
A fascinating and deeply educational tour
Ron L,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00In our afternoon with Max, we gained a deep insight into the Wilmington massacre and coup. Max was prepared, well-organized and easy to listen to. We found the topic - my wife had read “Wilmington Lies”; I haven’t but will - fascinating and pertinent to current day.
This is a walking tour - not, as advertised on tripadvisor a Bus tour
Edna T,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is listed in TripAdvisor under "Bus Tours" and thats what we thought we were getting. The walking tour was great and, although we had two people awaiting knee replacement surgery, they were able to make it through it okay. Max Goodman, our guide, was very helpful in taking sit down breaks at convenient stops.
Outstanding tour!
Catoesec,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jack is a fabulous tour guide. She is extremely knowledgeable, articulate, animated, thorough and friendly. The tour was very interesting, informative, and well placed. We enjoyed it very much. We highly recommend it.
Great learning about this understated event, thank you
Iris G,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Max did a great job with the history and had a passion for education! The locations were difficult to imagine along with the history, which speaks to the lack of recognition given to this historical event.
From US$19.90
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