Home to the Civil War’s largest amphibious battle, Fort Fisher State Historic Site is fully open to the public once again after highly anticipated renovations. Following lots of hard work and dedication, the site now features a state-of-the-art Visitors Center with new exhibits, an advanced conservation lab and expanded earthworks, offering an enhanced experience for all site visitors.

For its critical role in the protection of the port of Wilmington during the Civil War, Fort Fisher State Historic Site was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1961. By engaging visitors with personal stories and historical insights, the new exhibits offer a glimpse into Fort Fisher’s past and shed light on its importance to and impact on the surrounding region.

Visitors Center Renovations

Fort Fisher State Historic Site's new Visitors Center, which has been in the works since 2010, is now officially open. This impressive two-story, 20,0000-square-foot building is three times larger than the original center built in 1965 and represents an approximately $25.5 million investment. Designed to welcome more than 1 million visitors each year, the new center features a range of new, enhanced amenities aimed at educating and inspiring visitors.

Among the exciting additions is a 100-seat orientation theater, designed to elevate the visitor experience with immersive film screenings and engaging live presentations that explore Fort Fisher’s rich history and significance. A new activity hall has been constructed, providing a versatile rental space best suited for banquets, wedding receptions, educational programs and more. Additionally, the gift shop has been expanded to better accommodate the uptick in traffic, offering a diverse selection of merchandise that celebrates the area’s heritage.

 

Journey Through Time

The renovations continue to highlight the historical importance of Fort Fisher. The centerpiece of the new Visitors Center is an exhibit titled, “Through Their Eyes,” which spans the region's history from pre-colonial times to the fort's role in World War II, showcasing a variety of perspectives from those eras. It highlights the personal stories of men, women and children from diverse backgrounds, illuminating their experiences and the significance of those moments.

 

Conservation Lab

In addition to the “Through Their Eyes” exhibit, Fort Fisher has unveiled a new underwater archaeology lab dedicated to preserving and studying the region's maritime history. The facility focuses on archaeological research relating to shipwrecks such as Condor, located off the shore of Kure Beach and recognized as North Carolina’s first Heritage Dive Site, as well as sunken artifacts and other underwater sites that relate to the region's historical significance, specifically during the Civil War and antebellum period.

The lab serves as a space for archaeologists and volunteers to conduct fieldwork, analyze artifacts and engage in educational outreach. By exploring submerged sites, the lab helps uncover stories of the past, deepening our understanding of the area’s history. The discoveries from the lab will also enhance exhibits at the Visitors Center, making the site's history even more engaging for visitors.

 

Expanded Earthworks

Fort Fisher State Historic Site’s earthworks, including mounds, trenches and fortifications, played an essential role in its Civil War defenses. During World War II, parts of the earthworks were destroyed to make way for an airstrip, and restoring them was part of the site's recent renovations. Visitors can walk along the tour trail and view the reconstructed earthworks, specifically the fort’s sixth, seventh and eighth traverses, which offer a tangible link to the past and insight into military strategies of the time. A central sally port and an ammunition magazine with a working tunnel system can also be seen along the trail.

 

Discover Fort Fisher State Historic Site and its pivotal role in American history for yourself by visiting the newly renovated site.