Walking Around Fort Fisher

Fort Fisher was built along
the North Carolina
Coastline on Kure Beach.

The design of this earthwork

fort was based the defensive

works built at Sebastopol

during the Crimean War.

The Sebastopol defenses included a high point to provide 360 degree coverage of its defenses.  This high point was included in Fort Fisher's design.  The fort was considered to be "the South's Gibraltar."

The earthworks were defended
by a nine foot stockade fence.

Kathy stands at the entrance to

munitions storage.

Intercostal waters lie
behind the fort.

This replica of a heavy sea coast

cannon (32 pounder) sits on a

turntable to cover a wider

area of the beach.

Other cannon at Fort Fisher:

Napoleon fieldpiece &

 & Coehorn Mortar.

The Union attacked Fort Fisher twice, once in December 1864 and again in January 1865.  The second attack started on January 13 with a Naval bombardment, followed by assaults by Union troops at the front and rear of the fort.  Following fierce fighting, the fort was surrendered on January 15.

Much of Fort Fisher has been lost.  It was used as a firing range for coastal artillery during World War II.  Shifting sands and erosion have claimed large sections of the fort.