The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Point Peter on the Cape Fear River-- Part 2: the PI Name

Reading on about this site in North Carolina, where the Cape Fear River and the Northeast Cape Fear River join, I came across another name for the place. This one definitely could be considered politically incorrect these days.

Prior to 1780, it was also known as "Negro Head Point" or "Negroe Head Point." There was a Negro Head Point Road that extended northward into present-day Pender County. During the Revolutionary War, Highland Scottish forces used this road on their way to Cross Creek as they headed for the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge in 1776.

It is not known for sure how the name Negro Head Point came into use. Some say the severed heads of one or more slaves suspected of plotting rebellion were placed here on poles in the river.

From Colonial times to early in the 1800s, a ferry ran from Wilmington to the point.

A Bit of Cape Fear Lore. --Old B-Runer

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