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Fort Fisher State Historic Site

401 Reviews
#2 of 10 things to do in Kure Beach
Historic Sites, Military Museums, Sights & Landmarks, Museums
1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S, Kure Beach, NC 28449-3755
+1 910-458-5538
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“Very informative ”

I didn't realize this Fort had such a impact on the Civil War till I visited and learned so much... read more

Reviewed 2 days ago
A TripAdvisor Member
via mobile
“Great Tour Guide!”

Much of the original site is underwater, but can see some of the structures. We took the 45 minute... read more

Reviewed 5 days ago
Jana M
,
Des Moines, Iowa
via mobile
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At the dawn of the American Civil War, the Confederacy took control of land in southeastern North Carolina near one of the two outlets to the Atlantic Ocean from the Cape Fear River. Fort Fisher was the largest earthwork fortification in the Confederacy and was constructed to protect this vital opening. Ships running the Federal blockade of the port of Wilmington, known as blockade runners, supplied necessary goods to Confederate armies inland. By late 1863, the supply line through Wilmington was the last remaining supply route open to Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. The Federal Army and Navy attacked Fort Fisher December 24, 1864. After two days of fighting with little headway, Federal commanders concluded that the fort was too strong to assault and withdrew their forces. However, they returned for a second attempt on January 12, 1865. For two and one-half days, Federal ships bombarded the fort on both land and sea face. On the fifteenth, more than 3,300 Union infantry, including the 27th U.S. Colored Troops, assaulted the land face. After several hours of fierce hand-to-hand combat, Federal troops captured the fort that night. The Confederate army evacuated their remaining forts in the Cape Fear area, and within weeks Union forces overran Wilmington. Once Wilmington fell, the supply line of the Confederacy was severed, and the Civil War was soon over. This site has been declared national historic landmark. Along with a restored palisade fence, approximately ten percent of the fort still stands. Guided tours, outside panel makers and museum exhibits provide a historical point of reference. Shaded by gnarled live oaks, a scenic trail leads tourists from the visitor center past the gigantic earthworks and around to the rear of the fort. Visitors are invited to tour the remains of the fort's land face featuring an impressive reconstruction of a 32-pounder seacoast gun at Shepherd's Battery. Fort Fisher State Historic Site is located in Kure Beach on what was then known as Federal Point and today as Pleasure Island.

About Fort Fisher State Historic Site

At the dawn of the American Civil War, the Confederacy took control of land in southeastern North Carolina near one of the two outlets to the Atlantic Ocean from the Cape Fear River. Fort Fisher was the largest earthwork fortification in the Confederacy and was constructed to protect this vital opening. Ships running the Federal blockade of the port of Wilmington, known as blockade runners, supplied necessary goods to Confederate armies inland. By late 1863, the supply line through Wilmington was the last remaining supply route open to Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. The Federal Army and Navy attacked Fort Fisher December 24, 1864. After two days of fighting with little headway, Federal commanders concluded that the fort was too strong to assault and withdrew their forces. However, they returned for a second attempt on January 12, 1865. For two and one-half days, Federal ships bombarded the fort on both land and sea face. On the fifteenth, more than 3,300 Union infantry, including the 27th U.S. Colored Troops, assaulted the land face. After several hours of fierce hand-to-hand combat, Federal troops captured the fort that night. The Confederate army evacuated their remaining forts in the Cape Fear area, and within weeks Union forces overran Wilmington. Once Wilmington fell, the supply line of the Confederacy was severed, and the Civil War was soon over. This site has been declared national historic landmark. Along with a restored palisade fence, approximately ten percent of the fort still stands. Guided tours, outside panel makers and museum exhibits provide a historical point of reference. Shaded by gnarled live oaks, a scenic trail leads tourists from the visitor center past the gigantic earthworks and around to the rear of the fort. Visitors are invited to tour the remains of the fort's land face featuring an impressive reconstruction of a 32-pounder seacoast gun at Shepherd's Battery. Fort Fisher State Historic Site is located in Kure Beach on what was then known as Federal Point and today as Pleasure Island.
4.5
401 reviews
  • Excellent55%
  • Very good37%
  • Average6%
  • Poor1%
  • Terrible1%
Travellers talk about
“civil war” (108 reviews)
“union forces” (5 reviews)
“carolina beach” (15 reviews)
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LOCATION
1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S, Kure Beach, NC 28449-3755
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+1 910-458-5538
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1 - 10 of 399 reviews

A TripAdvisor Member
10
Reviewed 2 days ago via mobile
Very informative

I didn't realize this Fort had such a impact on the Civil War till I visited and learned so much. Museum was free but there was a donation box. My boys and I enjoyed reading and learning so much there. It's worth the trip and...More

Thank A TripAdvisor Member
Reviewed 5 days ago via mobile
Great Tour Guide!

Much of the original site is underwater, but can see some of the structures. We took the 45 minute guided tour, which added to our experience. He incorporated information from the fort as well as local ties. Enjoyed our stop!

Thank Jana M
Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
Nice, calm, quiet & educational

We bought our 2 boys pistols from the gift shop, they had fun walking/running, getting some energy out, stopping to read what took place & imagining what it would have been like for the young soldiers. Takes between 3min to 1 hour.

Thank KasiNY
Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
Witness live canon fire

On every weekend, this site soldiers does live canon firing which is nice to see.They create the environment of civil war real site.

Thank Hansa G
Reviewed 1 week ago
Let's learn and have fun doing it!

This was our second trip to Fort Fisher and each time we learn something new. This time we were able to watch the musket demonstration. WOW, talk about "hurry up" - loading the muskets back in the day took some time. Walking around the fort...More

Thank benooch67
Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile
Beautiful Walk Incredible History

Wilmington is a hot bed of history and Ft Fisher guarded the gateway to the sea. The museum is small but informative. A person or group can walk around the fort and read the signs marking the locations significance. Guided tours are also available for...More

Thank SgtFrankChill
Reviewed 2 weeks ago
perfect for a nice weather stroll

I still have memories of my parents taking me here every year we visited the beach. We would just stroll the southern slow way and appreciate the coastal breeze.Dad being on vaca was a wonderful time and he made the most of it. Now that...More

Thank wecacnna
Reviewed 3 weeks ago
Amazing - Turning Point in the Civil War!

As we are new to North Carolina, maybe we can't be faulted for not knowing this amazing bit of history - but shame on us and shame on the educators of other states who don't cover this important 1864 battle. This was truly a turning...More

Thank Gryfudd
Reviewed 3 weeks ago
Really opened my eyes!

I didn't even know Fort Fisher existed, and believe that very few people understand how critical it was to the outcome of the Civil War.

Thank RayB_OKI
Reviewed 3 weeks ago
Great learning opportunity for all ages

I have visited Fort Fisher at least twice before and each time I learn something a little different. I had an opportunity to walk around the remnants of the fort during this visit and it is fascinating. A climb up about 20 steps places you...More

Thank URIguy
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Debra30238
29 February 2016|
Answer
Response from Sandra D | Reviewed this property |
This is the third time I tried to answer, so I hope it doesn't end up posting all 3 times. It takes about an hour to an hour and a half to go over all of it.
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lindaleelinn
14 August 2015|
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Response from paulmcgehee74959 | Reviewed this property |
It is free.
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