Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

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Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Location:	North Carolina, USA
Nearest city:	Kure Beach, North Carolina
Governing body:	North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is a state park of the U.S. state of North Carolina. Located near Kure Beach, North Carolina, it includes the former location of Fort Fisher, site of a major naval engagement during the American Civil War.

[edit] History

It was the largest naval bombardment and land-sea battle fought in any war up to that time. The outcome of the six-hour battle contributed significantly to the end of the long and bitter struggle of the Civil War. And, this historic event took place at Fort Fisher.

The city of Wilmington on the Cape Fear River was an important port of entry for the Confederacy during the Civil War. And, by late 1864, it was the last southern port open to trade. Fort Fisher, built in 1861, served to protect this valuable port from Union ships. In 1864, the first of two Union attacks on Fort Fisher took place. The fort held strong during the first battle and Union forces withdrew, but the Confederacy was not so fortunate the next time.

In early 1865, a fleet of 56 ships bombarded the fort prior to a land assault by a force of more than 3,300 infantry. Fort Fisher was captured and the Confederate supply line was broken. Approximately three months after the fall of Fort Fisher, the Civil War came to an end.