Fort Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach played an important role in the American Civil War. Located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, its position made it a key defense in protecting the trading routes of North Carolina’s port of Wilmington nearby. By 1865, this supply line through Wilmington was the last route available to Confederate forces. After the largest land and sea battle of the Civil War, Fort Fisher fell Jan. 15, 1865, contributing to the Confederacy's ultimate downfall. Each year, the Battle of Fort Fisher is commemorated with an event to mark this pivotal moment in history.
Read on for a guide on how to take part in the annual commemoration.
Bringing the Past to Life
Step back in time at the Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher. Every year, Fort Fisher State Historic Site host special events to commemorate the occasion with bigger celebrations featuring battle reenactments held every five years. This year, the site will honor the 160th anniversary Jan. 18, with public program taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The day kicks off with a cannon firing at 10 a.m., with additional firings taking place at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. In addition to cannon firings, visitors can watch infantry and artillery demonstrations every five years showcasing military drills that would have been performed at the fort. Reenactors in period-accurate uniforms recreate the intense battles that took place between Union and Confederate forces on these exact Fort Fisher grounds.
Beyond the action, explore what daily life would have been like during this time period – including how soldiers lived, cooked and prepared for battle – during living history and community group displays. Special guest presentations and book signings will also take place throughout the day.
For a unique vantage point of the site, take part in an Above the Scenes guided tour. Available twice daily, year-round and weather permitting, this 45-minute tour takes you from the floor of the fort to the top of the traverses. During the annual anniversary event, the tour will have three sessions departing at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the first-floor info desk in the Visitors Center.
Can’t make this year’s celebration? Although the larger event takes place every five years, the anniversary is observed on a smaller scale annually with events ranging from guided tours to non-combat living history displays and artillery demonstrations.
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., general admission to Fort Fisher State Historic Site throughout the year and for anniversary events is free. Parking is available near the site’s entrance off Loggerhead Road and limited extra parking is available at Battle Acre Road; consider carpooling with others if possible.
More to See and Do
Fort Fisher State Historic Site's newly renovated Visitors Center showcases a two-story, 20,000-square-foot building with a variety of new exhibits. "Through Their Eyes" traces the region's history from pre-colonial times to World War II, highlighting personal stories from diverse backgrounds. Findings from the site's new underwater archaeology lab are also on display. Other additions include a 100-seat orientation theater for film screenings and live presentations that delve into the site's history. The gift shop is also bigger and better; stop in to pick out the perfect souvenir.
The site also features picturesque grounds that add to its historical significance, including a trail shaded by gnarled live oaks that leads past the reconstructed earthworks. The earthworks, which were recently renovated, consist of mounds, trenches and fortifications, including the sixth, seventh and eighth traverses. They provide a glimpse into the military strategies of the time, as they played a key role in the fort's defense. While on-site, don’t miss Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, home to 6 miles of pristine beach and scenic trails perfect for exploring. Follow the Basin Trail, which winds past an actual WWII bunker that was once the residence of the fabled Fort Fisher Hermit. During low tide, venture along the shoreline at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area to discover the rare coquina rock formation, which dates back more than 12,000 years.
Morning Treats and Evening Eats
Make a pit stop at Happy Hippies Java Hut in the heart of Kure Beach to fuel up for the day ahead. Located on the way to Fort Fisher, this locally owned coffee shop offers a variety of coffee drinks, from classic options to custom creations, including Mermaid Magic, a delicious espresso-based drink with hazelnut and other secret ingredients.
After spending the day at Fort Fisher, stop by one of Kure Beach's locally owned restaurants. Freddie's Restaurant, a local gem since 1994, serves authentic Italian dishes and American favorites in a charming setting; unwind with great food and a welcoming atmosphere. Reservations are recommended, as this locally loved spot fills up quickly. Another island favorite set in a vibrant, family-friendly setting, Jack Mackerel's Island Grill offers delicious Caribbean-inspired cuisine and local dishes, like blackened salmon with a mango crab butter.
Cozy Accommodations
When deciding on a home base for your stay, choose from a range of cozy accommodations including the Kure Lighthouse Inn, a charming choice for an oceanfront stay in the heart of Kure Beach, featuring an outdoor fire pit where you can warm up on cool winter evenings. Originally built in the 1960s, SeaBirds is a boutique motel with a coastal comfort design that makes for the perfect place to reconnect and relax in Kure Beach. Or, choose from a variety of vacation rentals from quaint beach cottages to spacious homes.
From reenactments to renovations, the Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher each January is the perfect time to plan a visit to Kure Beach’s Fort Fisher State Historic Site.