Sinclair Dinosaur
This relic from Sinclair service station marketing can be seen on the roof of the BTI Tire and Alignment building at 200 E Baltimore St., which is a former Sinclair location. While this dinosaur is an original statue from the period, it is not the one that was located at the station when it was still a Sinclair.
The Eagle Hotel
Located on the southwest corner of Historic 66 and Water Street, this building predates Route 66 by many years, having been built in the 1830s. On the National Register of Historic Places, this building is now owned by the Wilmington Area Historical Society. The Association’s Preservation Committee assisted in getting a new roof for this historic hotel.
The Gemini Giant
Now located in the South Island Park, the Gemini Giant was previously located at the now closed Launching Pad restaurant. This “Muffler Man” was created to look like an astronaut and carries a rocket in his hands. The name comes from a contest won by student Cathy Thomas and refers to the space program at the time that used Gemini for the name of the spacecraft (preceded by Mercury and followed by the Apollo program). Come see this great photo op right off of Historic 66 just south of downtown.
Blue Star Plaque
Found directly on the Route in front of the Wilmington VFW is this historic sign commemorating the Blue Star Highway passing through town. Our Preservation Committee was directly involved in the restoration and rededication of this historic plaque.