Using the old jail as the foundation, the Burgwin-Wright House was built in 1770 by John Burgwin, planter, merchant, and treasurer of the colony of Carolina. In 1781, "the most considerable house in town" was occupied by Lord Cornwallis as his headquarters shortly before his defeat and surrender at Yorktown, Virginia. In 1799, Joshua Grainger Wright purchased the house for 3500 Spanish milled dollars. Occupied as a residence until 1937, it was bought by The National Society of TheJail Cells Colonial Dames of America in the state of North Carolina.

Today, the Burgwin-Wright House, beautifully restored, is the oldest museum house in Southeastern North Carolina. Visitors will enjoy the fine detail of the Georgian style architecture, the 18th and early 19th century furnishings and stories of the people who have lived in this house. The house is graced by a formal or parterre garden, a terraced garden, and an orchard, all featuring appropriate plants and trees. This charming property creates a link with the past and is an excellent example of a colonial gentleman's town residence. Behind this fine colonial home, there is a free-standing building which houses the kitchen and a craft room. In the kitchen, open hearth demonstrations of colonial cooking are presented one Saturday each month.