Lesson Plan: Fort Anderson (8th Grade)

Like Fort Fisher, Fort Anderson was built as part of the Lower Cape Fear Defense System. Built over the remains of the colonial town of Brunswick, Fort Anderson anchored the defense system by protecting the rear flanks of the other forts-Fisher, Caswell, and Holmes- in the system. It also served as the last line of defense for Wilmington from Federal naval and military forces, which might advance up the river. This unit of the North Carolina Civil War Experience will explore the story of Fort Anderson in greater detail.

This education program, designed for 8th grade students, is one in a series that provides comprehensive, site-based learning experiences concerning the state's Civil War history. The program is a stand-alone unit, but its value is multiplied when combined with one or more additional units. Each program contains at least one supplemental lesson plan. These plans work best in support of the on-site activities, but can also be used if a site visit is not possible.

Program Goals

The story of Fort Anderson is a component for meeting the following NCSCS Goals for 8th Grade Social Studies:

4.02 Describe the political and military developments of the Civil War and analyze their effect on the outcome of the war.
4.04 Evaluate the importance of the roles played by individuals at the state and national levels during the Civil War and Reconstruction Period.

The story of Fort Anderson is a component for meeting the following National Standard for the Social Sciences:

Standard 2 - The course and character of the Civil War and its effects on the American people.
2A - The student understands how the resources of the Union and Confederacy affected the course of the war.
2B - The student understands the social experience of the war on the battlefield and homefront.

Program Objectives

  1. Students should have an understanding of the importance of the Lower Cape Fear Defense System and how Fort Anderson fit into that defensive strategy.
  2. Students will understand the importance of earthen fortification construction and changes in technology, specifically artillery.
  3. Students will have an understanding of how individuals' actions and circumstances can affect the outcome of an event.
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