(WINNABOW)—The sights, sounds and smells of life in a Civil War fort will take center stage at Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson State Historic Site in Winnabow during the 144th anniversary commemoration of the fall of Ft. Anderson, taking place Saturday, Feb.14, through Sunday, Feb. 15. The Confederate Navy played a key role in defending the fort so historical re-enactors will highlight the navy’s torpedo service, infantry and artillery, through historical vignettes featuring artillery and rifle fire. Sutlers (vendors) dressed in period clothing will also be selling dry goods and food.
On Saturday night, visitors may also thrill to lantern tours of the fort. Activities will take place from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, with lantern tours from 6-8 p.m. On Sunday, the program will last from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
Dr. Chris Fonvielle, local historian, UNC-Wilmington history professor and author of the book “Fort Anderson,” will speak at 2 p.m., Saturday. At 2 p.m. Sunday, Dr. Max Williams, professor emeritus at Western Carolina University will examine the Civil War as a defining moment in American history. The fort fell to Union forces Feb. 19, 1865.
Because Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson’s visitor center houses one of the largest torpedo exhibits in the country, both days exhibit designer and creator Mike Kochan will be interpreting torpedo (mine) warfare during the Civil War. Visitors may particularly enjoy an exhibit showcasing some early examples of the evolving technology of torpedo warfare. Re-enactors also will showcase the dress and activities of Confederate sailors, who only totaled around 6,000 men.
A variety of sutlers attending the event will demonstrate and sell their wares. Ole South Cookery (fry bread), Old South Blacksmith, Ben Tart (clothing) and Bughill Sutler (ironclad models) will be located in “sutlers’ row” outside the visitor center. Jack Fryar (Dramtree Books) and Kevin Barnett (charcoal portraits) will be inside the visitor center both days.
Brunswick Town was the first permanent settlement on the Lower Cape Fear River, established in 1726 as a port for ocean-going vessels. The town was attacked and captured by Spanish privateers in September 1748 and was the site of the Stamp Act Rebellion in 1766. In 1776, it was partially burned by British troops and all but abandoned by the end of the Revolutionary War. In 1862 Confederate forces constructed Ft. Anderson on part of the town.
Today one can tour ruins of a number of buildings and houses that lie along the shaded scenic tour trail. Other attractions include the majestic ruins of St. Philip’s Anglican Church, featuring three-foot thick brick walls that recall the splendor of what was once a bustling colonial port and the remains of Russellborough, where North Carolina colonial governors Arthur Dobbs and William Tryon lived. Brunswick was also the unofficial capital of colonial North Carolina from 1758-1770. Visitors may also tour Ft. Anderson, one of the largest earthworks constructed on the Cape Fear River and one of the best preserved in the nation. Alternatively, this state historic site is a bird watchers’ dream location, attracting those who just want be one with nature.
The goal of Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson State Historic Site is to preserve and interpret the history of Brunswick Town, the Cape Fear region’s first permanent settlement, and Ft. Anderson, the Civil War fortification built at the site.
It is located at 8884 St. Philip’s Rd. S.E., Winnabow, N.C. Take Interstate 40 east to Wilmington where the interstate ends and becomes College Road. Then take U.S. 17/74 south/west through Wilmington. Remain on this highway to the Southport/Leland exit. Take this exit and follow N.C. 133 south for approximately 17 miles and follow the signs to Brunswick Town. From Southport take N.C. 133 north approximately 15 miles to the site. For more information call (910) 371-6613, e-mail brunswick@ncmail.net or visit our Website at www.nchistoricsites.org/brunswic/brunswic.htm.
Administered by the Division of State Historic Sites, Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson is part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, a state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history and culture. Join the Cultural Resources 2009 theme observance of “Treasure N.C. Culture.” For more information, visit www.ncculture.com.