Fort Fisher State Historic Site

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Fisher State Historic Site is a historical landmark located in Kure Beach, North Carolina, and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.


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Summary

The fort was an important stronghold during the American Civil War and played a key role in the defense of Wilmington. Today, visitors can explore the site and learn about the fort's history through museum exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs.

Some of the main points of interest at Fort Fisher include the fort's earthworks, the historic parade grounds, and the museum exhibits that showcase artifacts and memorabilia from the Civil War era. Visitors can also take a self-guided walking tour of the fort and explore the gun emplacements and other military structures that were used during the war.

One interesting fact about Fort Fisher is that it was the largest earthen fortification in the world when it was constructed in 1861. The fort was also the site of the largest naval bombardment in history up to that time during the Second Battle of Fort Fisher in 1865.

The best time of year to visit Fort Fisher State Historic Site is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Visitors should also note that the site is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter months, so be sure to check the website for hours of operation before planning your visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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