Until the last few months of the Civil War, Fort Fisher kept North Carolina's port of Wilmington open to blockade-runners supplying necessary goods to Confederate armies inland. By 1865, the supply line through Wilmington was the last remaining supply route open to Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. When Ft. Fisher fell after a massive Federal amphibious assault on January 15, 1865, its defeat helped seal the fate of the Confederacy.
Hours and Location
Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday, and most major holidays
Admission is free
1610 Ft. Fisher Blvd. South
Kure Beach, NC 28449
GPS coordinates are Lat 33.9698958°N. Lon -77.9180417°W.
Admission
Admission is free
Donations are appreciated
Guided Tours
At scheduled times throughout the year, costumed guided tours tell the story of the Confederate artillerists and U.S. infantrymen. Guides teach participants the "drill" with wooden rifles. Participants also learn the artillery drill (non-firing) on a bronze 12-pounder gun. Staff and volunteers also fire the 12-pounder throughout the year.
We ask that groups make reservations in advance.
Facilities
Historic Structures
Less than ten percent of the earthen fortification remains. Approximately 180 yards of the land face exists on the river side of U.S. 421 and seventy-five yards of the land face exists on the ocean side. The partial remains of Battery Buchanan are at the southern end of Federal Point (just south of the ferry landing).
Visitor Center
A ten-minute audiovisual program tells the story of Fort Fisher.
Trails, Monuments, Outdoor Exhibits
The tour trail is approximately one-quarter-mile long and encircles the remains of the fort on the river side of the highway. Exhibit panels containing photos and text are located at many locations along the tour trail. A restored gun emplacement is located on top of one of the batteries. Battle Acre, a monument to Confederate dead, is located on the ocean side of U.S. 421. A pavilion located at the northern end of the parking lot houses a display on underwater archaeology.
Handicapped Accessibility
The visitor center and rest rooms are fully accessible. The tour trail is also accessible with assistance, but the restored gun emplacement is not.
Picnic Facilities
None
Gift Shop
The gift shop features flags, books, CDs, T-shirts, and many other unique items related to Fort Fisher and the Civil War.
Programs, Group Activities
If you plan to bring a group of 20 or more to Fort Fisher, please make a reservation.