Fort Anderson

Fort Anderson is an earthwork fortification along the western bank of the Cape Fear River with multiple artillery positions built for river defense. The site includes preserved trenches, visitor trails, and archaeological exhibit areas that remain accessible today.

The fort was built in 1862 as Fort St. Philip and later renamed Fort Anderson to protect Confederate supply lines through Wilmington during the Civil War. It faced Union naval attack in the final years of the conflict.

The fort sits atop the remains of colonial Brunswick Town, where layers of settlement history are visible beneath the military earthworks. Walking through the site reveals how different periods of occupation exist in the same space.

The site is open year-round from Tuesday through Saturday, with designated trails that guide you through the fortification. The paths are walkable at an easy pace, and interpretive signs explain key features along the way.

The fortification contains underground chambers called bombproofs that sheltered soldiers during Union naval bombardment in 1865. These reinforced spaces are still visible and give a direct sense of what life was like under siege.

GPS coordinates: 34.04000,-77.94600

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:47