The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
Showing posts with label Cape Fear River. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cape Fear River. Show all posts
Friday, March 8, 2019
About Schofield's Move-- Part 3: Capture Wilmington Then Move On Goldsboro
Continuing with Cox's description of events.
The first detachments of Schofield's 23rd Corps didn't set sail for Fort Fisher until February 4.
"Meanwhile Schofield had joined General Grant at Fortress Monroe and had accompanied him to the mouth of Cape Fear River to hold a consultation with General Terry and Admiral Porter with regard to future operations in the Department of North Carolina, as the new command was designated.
"The result was to make Wilmington the first objective point to the campaign, so that a new base might be secured for Sherman if circumstances should should oblige him to concentrate his army south of Goldsboro.
"The first step accomplished, Schofield's task would be to open the route from Newberne to Goldsboro, rebuilding the railway, and uniting both his corps there in time to meet Sherman for the final operations of the general campaign when the concentration of the grand army should be complete."
--Old Secesh
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Defense of Fayetteville Arsenal-- Part 3: Not Enough Men To Defend
On February 22, 1865, Frederick Childs wrote Bragg asking what he should do. Childs feared a Union advance up the Cape Fear River and Sherman was getting closer.
Bragg responded: "the enemy's superior force will, I fear, enable him to send a detachment against you, which can only be met with your resources." In other words, you'll get no help.
On February 23, Childs sent a message to Bragg saying that he had, at most, 250 men to stop an enemy attack, the others of his 500-man force were on duty in other parts of the state.. However, he might be able to scrounge up another 100 or 200 reinforcements at the last minute.
Childs chose to evacuate the arsenal. Sherman captured Fayetteville on March 11, 1865.
--Old Secesh
Monday, August 13, 2018
Defense of Fayetteville and the Arsenal-- Part 1: Wilmington Evacuation Puts Fayetteville a Major Target
From Civil War North Carolina by Wade Sokolosky.
Braxton Bragg's withdrawal from Wilmington, N.C. on Feb. 21, 1865, made Fayetteville an even bigger target with the link between the two cities with the Cape Fear River.
Bragg was well aware of the straits Fayetteville was in and advised Lt.Col. Frederick L. Childs, in command at the arsenal to evacuate his "most valuable stores, especially ammunition for small arms." and procure wagons to transport them to the nearest rail depot. They would be needed for the defense of North Carolina.
Childs had worried about a Union attack since he assumed command at the arsenal in 1863. At first, he feared an attack by cavalry from Union-held New Bern. When he first arrived, he noticed there were no prepared defensive works to protect the city. Also, his force at the arsenal had no cavalry to warn him of approaching enemy forces.
--Old Secesh
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Wilmington's Bellamy Mansion
From Wikipedia.
Dr. John D. Bellamy (Sept. 18, 1817-Aug. 30, 1896)
Built and owned the Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington, NC, and was a medical doctor.
His son Marsden Bellamy enlisted in the Scotland Neck Cavalry before North Carolina seceded, but later enlisted in the Confederate Navy.
A younger son, William, joined the Wilmington Rifle Guards a few months later.
The Bellamy Mansion's architect, James F. Post, joined the Confederate artillery and helped design and build various structures at Fort Fisher and Fort Anderson.
The mansion's draftsman, Rufus Bunnel, had already returned north before Fort Sumter was fired on and joined a Connecticut regiment.
Enslaved plasterer, William B. Gould, who had worked on the house, escaped Wilmington on the night of Sept. 21, 1862, with eight other slaves by rowing a small boat down the Cape Fear River. They got to a Union ship where he and several others joined the US Navy.
He kept an extensive diary during the war and is thought to be one of the few former slaves to have kept one. After the war, he again took up the plasterer trade in Massachusetts.
During the war, the Bellamy family continued to live at the mansion on Market Street, until a yellow fever epidemic forced them to leave.
Very Involved in the War. --Old B-Runner
Dr. John D. Bellamy (Sept. 18, 1817-Aug. 30, 1896)
Built and owned the Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington, NC, and was a medical doctor.
His son Marsden Bellamy enlisted in the Scotland Neck Cavalry before North Carolina seceded, but later enlisted in the Confederate Navy.
A younger son, William, joined the Wilmington Rifle Guards a few months later.
The Bellamy Mansion's architect, James F. Post, joined the Confederate artillery and helped design and build various structures at Fort Fisher and Fort Anderson.
The mansion's draftsman, Rufus Bunnel, had already returned north before Fort Sumter was fired on and joined a Connecticut regiment.
Enslaved plasterer, William B. Gould, who had worked on the house, escaped Wilmington on the night of Sept. 21, 1862, with eight other slaves by rowing a small boat down the Cape Fear River. They got to a Union ship where he and several others joined the US Navy.
He kept an extensive diary during the war and is thought to be one of the few former slaves to have kept one. After the war, he again took up the plasterer trade in Massachusetts.
During the war, the Bellamy family continued to live at the mansion on Market Street, until a yellow fever epidemic forced them to leave.
Very Involved in the War. --Old B-Runner
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Journey to Cape Fear
A book review by Ben Steelman in the June 20th Wilmington (NC) Star News Bookmarks column.
"Journey to Cape Fear: The Prices of Brunswick County" by Michael L. Price, $7.95 available at the Southport Visitors Center.
This book is also about the Pivers (Huguenots from France), Coxes, Craigs, Cumbees Swans, Willketses, Hewitts, Tharps and other families in the area.
There is a chapter on the 30th North Carolina State Troops which served at Antietam, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Another chapter is on blockade-running (mostly about the General Beauregard (of particular interest to me because that was the ship sunk off Carolina Beach in front of my grandparents' cottage. I spent much time watching the top of the ship which still can be seen.).
There is information on the Cape Fear pilots who guided ships across the bar and on the river. Obviously, there is a lot of history of the Price family, the history of the Price's Creek Lighthouses, Fort Fisher and, for some reason, General Francis Marion (the Swampfox?).
I look forward to reading this book.
Good Old Cape Fear History. --Old B-R'er
"Journey to Cape Fear: The Prices of Brunswick County" by Michael L. Price, $7.95 available at the Southport Visitors Center.
This book is also about the Pivers (Huguenots from France), Coxes, Craigs, Cumbees Swans, Willketses, Hewitts, Tharps and other families in the area.
There is a chapter on the 30th North Carolina State Troops which served at Antietam, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Another chapter is on blockade-running (mostly about the General Beauregard (of particular interest to me because that was the ship sunk off Carolina Beach in front of my grandparents' cottage. I spent much time watching the top of the ship which still can be seen.).
There is information on the Cape Fear pilots who guided ships across the bar and on the river. Obviously, there is a lot of history of the Price family, the history of the Price's Creek Lighthouses, Fort Fisher and, for some reason, General Francis Marion (the Swampfox?).
I look forward to reading this book.
Good Old Cape Fear History. --Old B-R'er
Monday, October 3, 2011
Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry Rates Going Up?-- Part 1
From the October 2nd Wilmington (NC) Star News.
Like every other governmental body in the country, North Carolina is facing budgetary shortfalls and looking for ways to increase funds. One thing under consideration is to raise ferry tolls for the Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry, with one terminus located just south of Fort Fisher and the other across the Cape Fear River at Southport.
Right now, they charge each car a flat $5 a car to cross the river (no charge for passengers), a very scenic and several mile trip. Without the ferry, if you wanted to get to the other side from either terminus, it would involve a drive upriver to Wilmington and back down, about 40-50 miles. And then, there is that horrible Wilmington traffic to contend with.
Thoughts are to raise it as high as $18, but lesser amounts are also under consideration. Raising the rates might very well hurt tourism between the two areas.
Debi Rust of Carolina Beach, four miles north of Fort Fisher, pays $150 a year for a commuter pass to get back and forth from her job at Wells Fargo in Southport. She catches the 7:45 am there and comes back on the 4:45 pm ferry. She says she believes she is being undercharged and wouldn't mind seeing it go up by $50-$100.
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
Like every other governmental body in the country, North Carolina is facing budgetary shortfalls and looking for ways to increase funds. One thing under consideration is to raise ferry tolls for the Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry, with one terminus located just south of Fort Fisher and the other across the Cape Fear River at Southport.
Right now, they charge each car a flat $5 a car to cross the river (no charge for passengers), a very scenic and several mile trip. Without the ferry, if you wanted to get to the other side from either terminus, it would involve a drive upriver to Wilmington and back down, about 40-50 miles. And then, there is that horrible Wilmington traffic to contend with.
Thoughts are to raise it as high as $18, but lesser amounts are also under consideration. Raising the rates might very well hurt tourism between the two areas.
Debi Rust of Carolina Beach, four miles north of Fort Fisher, pays $150 a year for a commuter pass to get back and forth from her job at Wells Fargo in Southport. She catches the 7:45 am there and comes back on the 4:45 pm ferry. She says she believes she is being undercharged and wouldn't mind seeing it go up by $50-$100.
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
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
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
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Point Peter on the Cape Fear River-- Part 1
Yesterday, I posted about the 1888 boat review on the Cape Fear River in which over twenty steamships with flags flying and bunting cruised by Wilmington, NC, blowing their steam whistles and so forth. It must have been quite a sight.
The boats started from a place on the Cape Fear River called Point Peter which I had never before heard of. I did some research and once again the MyReporter column in the Wilmington Star News came to my aid.
Point Peter is the land at the fork where the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear rivers flow together north of Wilmington. It is believed the name came from Peter Mallet, a local planter and Revolutionary War leader. It has always served as a terminal for river traffic from Fayetteville.
River traffic during the Civil War would have passed it.
So, That's Point Peter., But There's More. --Old B-Runner
The boats started from a place on the Cape Fear River called Point Peter which I had never before heard of. I did some research and once again the MyReporter column in the Wilmington Star News came to my aid.
Point Peter is the land at the fork where the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear rivers flow together north of Wilmington. It is believed the name came from Peter Mallet, a local planter and Revolutionary War leader. It has always served as a terminal for river traffic from Fayetteville.
River traffic during the Civil War would have passed it.
So, That's Point Peter., But There's More. --Old B-Runner
Friday, July 15, 2011
Boat Parade, Wilmington, NC, 1888-- Part3
From the July 14, 1888, Wilmington Morning Star as covered in the Cape Fear River Steamers blog.
The marine parade started at Point Peter and proceeded down the Cape Fear River midstream. When the lead boat got opposite of Market Dock, at a signal from the Marco, each boat was to give a long blast of steam whistle once they were opposite the Creosote Works.
The flotilla proceeded downriver to Black Buoy, opposite the Dram Tree, round the buoy and return. Upon reaching the Compress, there were to be two blasts of steam whistles and then proceed to dock.
All steamers were to have full flags and bunting from stem to stern.
Must have been Something to See. --Old B-Runner
The marine parade started at Point Peter and proceeded down the Cape Fear River midstream. When the lead boat got opposite of Market Dock, at a signal from the Marco, each boat was to give a long blast of steam whistle once they were opposite the Creosote Works.
The flotilla proceeded downriver to Black Buoy, opposite the Dram Tree, round the buoy and return. Upon reaching the Compress, there were to be two blasts of steam whistles and then proceed to dock.
All steamers were to have full flags and bunting from stem to stern.
Must have been Something to See. --Old B-Runner
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Boat Parade, Wilmington NC, 1888-- Part 2
Continuing with the order of appearance of the twenty-plus ships to take art in the Grand Marine Review off Wilmington July 22, 1888.
LISBON-- Capt. Black
DELTA-- Capt. Sherman
EASTON-- Capt. Kinyon
ITALIAN-- Capt. J.T. Harper
BLANCHE-- Capt. Jacobs
PASSPORT-- Capt. Snell
MURCHISON-- Capt. Smith
HURT-- Capt. Robeson
SYLVAN GROVE-- Capt. J.W. Harper (related to the Italian's captain?)
QUEEN OF ST. JOHN-- Capt. Paddison
USS COLFAX-- Was respectively invited to join the parade.
The steamer Marco, Capt. E.D. Williams acted as the starting boat and made sure that the line was kept in order.
Must have been quite a sight.
Steamboats Ahoy. --Old B-R'er
LISBON-- Capt. Black
DELTA-- Capt. Sherman
EASTON-- Capt. Kinyon
ITALIAN-- Capt. J.T. Harper
BLANCHE-- Capt. Jacobs
PASSPORT-- Capt. Snell
MURCHISON-- Capt. Smith
HURT-- Capt. Robeson
SYLVAN GROVE-- Capt. J.W. Harper (related to the Italian's captain?)
QUEEN OF ST. JOHN-- Capt. Paddison
USS COLFAX-- Was respectively invited to join the parade.
The steamer Marco, Capt. E.D. Williams acted as the starting boat and made sure that the line was kept in order.
Must have been quite a sight.
Steamboats Ahoy. --Old B-R'er
Blockade of Wilminington Initiated This Day 150 Years Ago
According to the US Naval Chronology, July 14, 1861, the USS Daylight, Cmdr. Samuel Lockwood, initiated the blockade of the port of Wilmington, NC, by taking station off the coast and notifying the city.
In another source, I found the date for initiation listed at August 14th.
It was one of the last major Confederates to be blockaded, largely because of the late date of North Carolina's secession.
The USS Daylight was built for civilian use in 1859 and was called the Daylight. The US Navy acquired the Daylight in May of 1851 and commissioned it in June. The ship weighed 682 tons, was 170 feet long with a beam of 30.6 and 13 foot draught. Power was provided by a steam engine with screw propeller and top speed of 5 knots.
The crew numbered 57 and mounted four 32-pounder guns.
So, It Begins. --Old B-Runner
In another source, I found the date for initiation listed at August 14th.
It was one of the last major Confederates to be blockaded, largely because of the late date of North Carolina's secession.
The USS Daylight was built for civilian use in 1859 and was called the Daylight. The US Navy acquired the Daylight in May of 1851 and commissioned it in June. The ship weighed 682 tons, was 170 feet long with a beam of 30.6 and 13 foot draught. Power was provided by a steam engine with screw propeller and top speed of 5 knots.
The crew numbered 57 and mounted four 32-pounder guns.
So, It Begins. --Old B-Runner
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Boat Parade, Wilmington, NC, 1888-- Part 1
During the war, Wilmington was the destination of many ships running the blockade, but there was also a lot of commerce going up and down the Cape Fear River between the city and Fayetteville.
I came across an entry in the Cape Fear River Steamers blog containing an article from the July 22, 1888, Wilmington Morning Star in regards to a marine parade to take place on the river. You have to wonder how many of these ships were plying the river during the war and whether or not their captains were involved as well.
The line up was announced in the paper:
VERTNER-- Capt. Morgan
IDA LOUISE-- Capt. Evans
OKLAHOMA-- Capt. Steward
NARASSA-- Capt. Thornton
BOSS-- Capt. Manning
LOUISE-- Capt. Sellers
BESSIE-- Capt. Crapon
PET-- Capt. Taft
CRAIGHILL-- Capt. J.H. Williams
ENTERPRISE-- Capt. Ware
ACME-- Capt. Taylor
More to Come. --Old B-R'er
I came across an entry in the Cape Fear River Steamers blog containing an article from the July 22, 1888, Wilmington Morning Star in regards to a marine parade to take place on the river. You have to wonder how many of these ships were plying the river during the war and whether or not their captains were involved as well.
The line up was announced in the paper:
VERTNER-- Capt. Morgan
IDA LOUISE-- Capt. Evans
OKLAHOMA-- Capt. Steward
NARASSA-- Capt. Thornton
BOSS-- Capt. Manning
LOUISE-- Capt. Sellers
BESSIE-- Capt. Crapon
PET-- Capt. Taft
CRAIGHILL-- Capt. J.H. Williams
ENTERPRISE-- Capt. Ware
ACME-- Capt. Taylor
More to Come. --Old B-R'er
Monday, June 13, 2011
Time Line of the Civil War in the Cape Fear Region-- Part 1
From the April 12th Wilmington (NC) Star-News.
These dates are provided by Chris Fonvielle, assistant professor of history at UNC-Wilmington. He is probably the foremost authority on all things to do with Fort Fisher and the Cape Fear River.
1860-- The Federal census showed 9,552 residents in Wilmington, about 1/3 black.
1860, November-- Southern Nationalists in Wilmington form the Cape Fear Minutemen, a paramilitary group.
1860, Dec. 20th-- South Carolina secedes. secession zealots in Wilmington rejoice.
1861, Jan. 9-- The Cape Fear Minutemen, led by Capt.John J. Hedrick, seize Forts Johnston and Caswell from US Army caretakers. Governor John W. Ellis made them return the forts as the North Carolina was still in the Union.
Leading Up to War. --Old B-R'er
These dates are provided by Chris Fonvielle, assistant professor of history at UNC-Wilmington. He is probably the foremost authority on all things to do with Fort Fisher and the Cape Fear River.
1860-- The Federal census showed 9,552 residents in Wilmington, about 1/3 black.
1860, November-- Southern Nationalists in Wilmington form the Cape Fear Minutemen, a paramilitary group.
1860, Dec. 20th-- South Carolina secedes. secession zealots in Wilmington rejoice.
1861, Jan. 9-- The Cape Fear Minutemen, led by Capt.John J. Hedrick, seize Forts Johnston and Caswell from US Army caretakers. Governor John W. Ellis made them return the forts as the North Carolina was still in the Union.
Leading Up to War. --Old B-R'er
Saturday, May 28, 2011
About That Fort Fisher Ferry-- Part 2: Just the Facts
From the May 25th Wilmington (NC) Star-News.
Some Things You May Not Know About the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry and NC ferries.
1. The NC State Ferry System is the second largest state-run ferry system in the US, behind the Washington state one. (We've been on most NC ferries as well as the one in Washington.)
2. The state has seven ferry locations. Four are free and three charge fare. The largest operation, at Hatteras, is free. (Imagine something from a government that's free?)
3. The last Southport-Fort Fisher fare increase was 2006, when it was raised from $3 to the current $5.
4. Homeland security has required eight additional positions for screening at the Hatteras ferry.
5. You can buy a season pass for $150, good on all ferry services. This is especially a break if you are a commuter using the service.
6. At the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry, it's first-come, first-served. Even if you have a season pass, you have to take your place in line and hope you get aboard.
7. The Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry operates two vessels, 365 days a year, from 5:30 am to 7:45 pm. They leave each terminus at the same time.
8. Six crewmen are required for under 150 passengers, eight if more.
A Highly Recommended Trip if You're Ever in the Area. --Old B-Runner
Some Things You May Not Know About the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry and NC ferries.
1. The NC State Ferry System is the second largest state-run ferry system in the US, behind the Washington state one. (We've been on most NC ferries as well as the one in Washington.)
2. The state has seven ferry locations. Four are free and three charge fare. The largest operation, at Hatteras, is free. (Imagine something from a government that's free?)
3. The last Southport-Fort Fisher fare increase was 2006, when it was raised from $3 to the current $5.
4. Homeland security has required eight additional positions for screening at the Hatteras ferry.
5. You can buy a season pass for $150, good on all ferry services. This is especially a break if you are a commuter using the service.
6. At the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry, it's first-come, first-served. Even if you have a season pass, you have to take your place in line and hope you get aboard.
7. The Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry operates two vessels, 365 days a year, from 5:30 am to 7:45 pm. They leave each terminus at the same time.
8. Six crewmen are required for under 150 passengers, eight if more.
A Highly Recommended Trip if You're Ever in the Area. --Old B-Runner
About That Fort Fisher Ferry-- Part 1
The State of North Carolina, like all governmental entities, is facing huge budget deficits and looking to raise money. One of the items under discussion is to raise the popular Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry fare.
Right now, it is $5 a car and passengers. The General Assembly wants to raise it to $10.
The ferry runs from the tip of Federal Point (called Confederate Point) during the war) near the remains of Battery Buchanan where the fort's garrison surrendered across the Cape Fear River to Southport (called Smithville before and during the war). The remains of the Front Range Light at Price's Creek, used during the war, can be seen near the ferry terminal at Southport.
Taking the ferry is a great treat with the scenery alone, but if your were to drive the road from Fort Fisher to Southport, you would have to go to Wilmington to get to the first bridge across the river. That would be about fifty miles and lots and lots and lots of traffic.
The Southport business community is up in arms about the whole increase, saying it will hurt them badly.
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
Right now, it is $5 a car and passengers. The General Assembly wants to raise it to $10.
The ferry runs from the tip of Federal Point (called Confederate Point) during the war) near the remains of Battery Buchanan where the fort's garrison surrendered across the Cape Fear River to Southport (called Smithville before and during the war). The remains of the Front Range Light at Price's Creek, used during the war, can be seen near the ferry terminal at Southport.
Taking the ferry is a great treat with the scenery alone, but if your were to drive the road from Fort Fisher to Southport, you would have to go to Wilmington to get to the first bridge across the river. That would be about fifty miles and lots and lots and lots of traffic.
The Southport business community is up in arms about the whole increase, saying it will hurt them badly.
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Price's Creek Lighthouse
From the Southport (NC) Times article by Lisa Arnold.
This lighthouse was used during the Civil War, primarily for blockade-runners using the Cape Fear River.
Price's Creek Front Light, which still stands at the river's edge by the Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry, was 20 feet tall with three foot thick walls constructed entirely of bricks brought over from England.
The Rear Light was a wooden structure atop the lighthouse keeper's house farther away from the river. Line up the two lights and you didn't have to worry about running aground.
During the Civil War, it was a signal station for communications between Fort Fisher and Fort Caswell and run by the Confederate States Signal Corps. It also served military and civilian blockade-runners.
The wooden tower atop the house had extensive damage during the war and eventually disintegrated over time. Bricks from the house were later used to construct other homes in the Southport area.
When the Confederates lost control of the Cape Fear River in 1865, they destroyed seven of eight lighthouse structures in hopes of impeding the Union naval advance up the river. Price's Creek Front Light was the only one to survive. but it had been heavily damaged and was never used again.
Today, the Price's Creek Light is on private property on land owned by Archer Daniels Midland Corporation. Preservation groups have tried to get them to restore it, but those efforts have been refused.
A Little-Known Lighthouse. --Old B-Runner
This lighthouse was used during the Civil War, primarily for blockade-runners using the Cape Fear River.
Price's Creek Front Light, which still stands at the river's edge by the Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry, was 20 feet tall with three foot thick walls constructed entirely of bricks brought over from England.
The Rear Light was a wooden structure atop the lighthouse keeper's house farther away from the river. Line up the two lights and you didn't have to worry about running aground.
During the Civil War, it was a signal station for communications between Fort Fisher and Fort Caswell and run by the Confederate States Signal Corps. It also served military and civilian blockade-runners.
The wooden tower atop the house had extensive damage during the war and eventually disintegrated over time. Bricks from the house were later used to construct other homes in the Southport area.
When the Confederates lost control of the Cape Fear River in 1865, they destroyed seven of eight lighthouse structures in hopes of impeding the Union naval advance up the river. Price's Creek Front Light was the only one to survive. but it had been heavily damaged and was never used again.
Today, the Price's Creek Light is on private property on land owned by Archer Daniels Midland Corporation. Preservation groups have tried to get them to restore it, but those efforts have been refused.
A Little-Known Lighthouse. --Old B-Runner
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
See Fort Fisher and the Cape Fear River in a Different Way-- Part 2
Continuing with the interesting trips from yesterday. This is where you really get up close and personal with nature, and, in this case, history.
Another trip is to the Fort Fisher Basin, known to locals simply as the Basin. departure for this trip will be from the Fort Fisher Ferry by Battery Buchanan.
The Cape Fear Basin is one of three original National Estuarine Research reserve Components established by the National Atmospheric Administration and the Division of Coastal management in 1985.
The Lagoon complex, formed with the building of the Rocks to block New Inlet (a favorite entry point to Wilmington for blockade-Runners, is one of the most unusual areas of the North Carolina coast. It consists of three islands (Zeek's, North and No name) and a beach barrier spit. There are also lots of marshes and tidal flats.
I Wouldn't Mind Going On This One at All. --Old B-Runner
Another trip is to the Fort Fisher Basin, known to locals simply as the Basin. departure for this trip will be from the Fort Fisher Ferry by Battery Buchanan.
The Cape Fear Basin is one of three original National Estuarine Research reserve Components established by the National Atmospheric Administration and the Division of Coastal management in 1985.
The Lagoon complex, formed with the building of the Rocks to block New Inlet (a favorite entry point to Wilmington for blockade-Runners, is one of the most unusual areas of the North Carolina coast. It consists of three islands (Zeek's, North and No name) and a beach barrier spit. There are also lots of marshes and tidal flats.
I Wouldn't Mind Going On This One at All. --Old B-Runner
Monday, December 13, 2010
See Fort Fisher and the Cape Fear River in a Different Way-- Part 1
From the Manhanaim Adventures website for kayaking, canoeing and backpacking adventures. http://manhanaimadventures.com/
This is called getting off the main roads.
Some of the tours they offer:
BLACK RIVER-- runs through largely undisturbed forest and black water swamps containing the oldest-known living trees in North America. Three float trips are available.
CAPE FEAR RIVER-- named for the dangerous Cape Fear Shoals off Bald Head Island. Italian explorer Verrazzano, backed by the French, was looking to discover a westward passage across North America to Asia came in 1524.
It is also the only major river in North Carolina that flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Lower Cape Fear River has much wild life and tidal influence along with numerous islands.
Two trips available:
**River Road Park-- explore Keg Island, Shark's Tooth Island and Campbell Island.
**Carolina Beach State Park and Fort Fisher Basin (this one would go by the back side of Fort Fisher). Seven mile trip from Sugar Loaf (a Confederate camp down to the Fort Fisher Basin New Inlet during the Civil War).
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
This is called getting off the main roads.
Some of the tours they offer:
BLACK RIVER-- runs through largely undisturbed forest and black water swamps containing the oldest-known living trees in North America. Three float trips are available.
CAPE FEAR RIVER-- named for the dangerous Cape Fear Shoals off Bald Head Island. Italian explorer Verrazzano, backed by the French, was looking to discover a westward passage across North America to Asia came in 1524.
It is also the only major river in North Carolina that flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Lower Cape Fear River has much wild life and tidal influence along with numerous islands.
Two trips available:
**River Road Park-- explore Keg Island, Shark's Tooth Island and Campbell Island.
**Carolina Beach State Park and Fort Fisher Basin (this one would go by the back side of Fort Fisher). Seven mile trip from Sugar Loaf (a Confederate camp down to the Fort Fisher Basin New Inlet during the Civil War).
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Fort Fisher Projectile Found...100 Years Ago
From the Dec. 8th Wilmington (NC) Star-News Back Then column by Scott Nunn. He goes back over old newspapers for these stories.
From a December 8, 1910, Wilmington paper.
An 8-inch projectile weighing 100 pounds, evidently fired at Fort Fisher during the Civil War was brought up from the Cape Fear River bed by a powerful dredge that had been working in the area.
Other shells had also been recovered during the dredging, but this one was by far the largest of the lot.
It was placed on the steamer Madelene and brought up to the city wharf in Wilmington, where "it is attracting considerable attention."
Considering the massiveness of both bombardments, I'm sure many more pieces of shells and probably unexploded ordnance still are in the ground, marshes and river around the fort.
I've Probably Walked On Some of These. --Old B-Runner
From a December 8, 1910, Wilmington paper.
An 8-inch projectile weighing 100 pounds, evidently fired at Fort Fisher during the Civil War was brought up from the Cape Fear River bed by a powerful dredge that had been working in the area.
Other shells had also been recovered during the dredging, but this one was by far the largest of the lot.
It was placed on the steamer Madelene and brought up to the city wharf in Wilmington, where "it is attracting considerable attention."
Considering the massiveness of both bombardments, I'm sure many more pieces of shells and probably unexploded ordnance still are in the ground, marshes and river around the fort.
I've Probably Walked On Some of These. --Old B-Runner
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry
From the February 6, 1960, Wilmington (NC)Star-News.
A Wilmington delegation urged the Highway Commission to support ferry service between Southport and Fort Fisher near the mouth of the Cape Fear River. It was reported that it was the only missing link in North Carolina's All Seashore Highway.
Before the ferry, which exists today, if you wanted to go from Pleasure Island (Carolina Beach and Kure Beach) and Fort Fisher to Southport, the town on the other side of the river, you had to drive twenty miles back to Wilmington, cross the river and back another 25 miles to Southport.
Today, you just get on the ferry, pay a nominal sum and enjoy a pleasurable ride across the river. It sure saves a lot of miles and Wilmington traffic is no great fun.
I was not able to find out anything else about North Carolina's All Seashore Highway.
Sure Glad They Brought in the Ferry. Old B-Runner
A Wilmington delegation urged the Highway Commission to support ferry service between Southport and Fort Fisher near the mouth of the Cape Fear River. It was reported that it was the only missing link in North Carolina's All Seashore Highway.
Before the ferry, which exists today, if you wanted to go from Pleasure Island (Carolina Beach and Kure Beach) and Fort Fisher to Southport, the town on the other side of the river, you had to drive twenty miles back to Wilmington, cross the river and back another 25 miles to Southport.
Today, you just get on the ferry, pay a nominal sum and enjoy a pleasurable ride across the river. It sure saves a lot of miles and Wilmington traffic is no great fun.
I was not able to find out anything else about North Carolina's All Seashore Highway.
Sure Glad They Brought in the Ferry. Old B-Runner
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