We visited historic Fort Fisher in North Carolina in September of 2017. Having stayed a few nights at Carolina Beach, NC we found this Fort while heading south on our way from Carolina Beach to Bald Head Island. We thought it looked interesting and had the time, so we roamed around the historic area and also walked along the ocean shore, which was just across the road.
History of Fort Fisher
Fort Fisher was a strategic Confederate stronghold along the mouth of the Cape Fear River near the port of Wilmington, North Carolina. This port was along a major supply chain for the confederacy. This Fort made of earthen mounds was built into the inlet of Cape Fear and protected supplies coming through the port. These mounds defended the area from both the sea and the land. As a matter of fact, these mounds made for great defense and protection and were non-penetratable by amunition.
Fort Fisher fell to Union forces in January of 1865 following an extended Union assault by Sea. Following the fall of Fort Fisher, the confederate army fled to Wilmington to protect the confederate supply line, in North Carolina and throughout the confederacy, Wilmington fell soon after. Consequently, without supplies, the Confederate Army continued its decline and surrendered a few months later. For more information on the history of Fort Fisher you can click on this Wikipedia link. or on the North Carolina Historic Places link.
The Fort
As I mentioned before, the fort is an earthen fort. The embankments were heavily armed and canons lined the mounds at one time. The positioning of the fort allowed for both land and sea defense. The embankments were made with impenetrable earthen mounds that also served as shelters, offices and even a hospital.
Live Oak trees line the area to the side of the mounds.
The Sea
Just across the road from the Fort is the Atlantic Ocean, which was where the Union forces made their amphibious assault.
Bald Head Island
After Fort Fisher we traveled south and took the ferry to Bald Head Island. We loved this island and rode bikes from the lighthouse to the beach. There are very few cars on this island and most people ride golf carts or bikes. It is a rather remote place with beautiful homes and lots of ocean! It was still overcast and our photos did not turn out well but I do have a couple of the lighthouse. Unfortunately, the lighthouse was closed the day we went so we could not go in it.
Conclusion
We enjoyed the unexpected find of Fort Fisher. It was a nice little excursion and we enjoyed the fort, the live oak trees and the ocean views. Even though it was an overcast day, it was still fun to roam around the large open area and learn the history of Fort Fisher. We really loved Bald Head Island and had a great time riding bikes and walking along the ocean shore.
Location
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You can read more of my posts from North Carolina by clicking on the following links:
Downtown Raleigh, NC Aug 2019
Hiking Chimney Rock State Park Aug 2019
Biltmore Estate Photo Tour Aug 2019
The Inn at Biltmore Aug 2019
Historic Yates Mill, Raleigh May 2017
I love the oak tree pictures.
I do too!!
You’ve given me a couple more places I want to see in NC. Bald Head Island sounds especially nice!!! And the list of contacts at the bottom will be helpful. Stay safe!
We really enjoyed Bald Head! Very laid back and peaceful!! Riding bikes was great fun there as little to no traffic!!!
Didn’t know anything about North Carolina so this all looks fascinating. What an interesting place to visit, Bald Head Island sounds great.
Steve’s son lives in Raleigh so we visit North Carolina when we can! Bald Head was a lot of fun. Wish more photos would have turned out.
Love the lighthouse atop all the green & pics of the sprawling snarling trees! And of course the amazing history! Have followed you on Twitter, Lori! 😊
Those trees are amazing! I will look for you on Twitter…I don’t Twitter much but check it every now and then!
You found me! Glad to share your amazing posts, Lori 😊
😊
Great post and I did enjoy the photos!
Thanks!!
Bald Head Island sounds, and looks like, my kind of place. We’ve been to Carolina Beach, but I was not aware of Bald Head. A reason to go back!
We really enjoyed Bald Head! Wish I had better and more pictures of it!
You’ve got the memories…
😊
You’ve got the memories!
Oh how I miss the ocean!
Me too!
I am definitely going to have to go back there! Dropped by briefly last year but didn’t see much!
We had a nice time there!
Your writing about the location, history is ‘to the point’ and very informative. The picture illustrations speak as well. A wonderful way to describe. Thank you
Thank you! I appreciate your comments.