November 21st Wilmington Star-News "Fort Fisher dig uncovers pre-Civil War lighthouse" by Amy Hotz. For some reason, Amy Hotz always gets these really interesting articles.
Even though this was a land site, members of the North Carolina Underwater Archaeology team found the remains of a lighthouse on what today is called Battle Acre, but which was the site of Fort Fisher's headquarters during the Civil War.
It is located near the current Confederate Monument and at one time stood 40 feet tall. It no longer was standing at the time of the battles, but the former lighthouse keeper's wood frame house served as Fisher's headquarters.
It was built in 1816 after the federal government purchased an acre of land. A keeper's house was also built as was a boat ramp from which to bring supplies and fuel for the lamp.
It was remodeled some time after 1836 when there was a fire. The structure was damaged enough that workers left the top ten feet off.
We'll Leave the Light On. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
