Free educational event at North Carolina's Fort Fisher

The Fort Fisher State Historic Site is hosting a living history event on January 19 that will feature displays of Civil War camp life and volunteers will talk with visitors about the life of the Confederate infantry and artillery troops. This 148th anniversary program will focus on the Confederate defenders at Sheppard’s Battery and around the "Bloody Gate" on the left flank of Fort Fisher, the location of the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War that is featured in the new Hollywood hit, “Lincoln.”

“The reenactment of this famous battle which ultimately ended the Civil War will depict a Hollywood-worthy historical scene to you and your family, reminding you of the importance of this site to our country’s history,” said representatives from the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau.

This free educational event begins at 10 a.m. and will run until 4 p.m. Throughout the day, infantry units will conduct drills and firing demonstrations, including the site's rifled and banded 32 pound cannon atop Sheppard’s Battery. Scheduled speakers include local historian Ernie Kniffen, who will discuss new findings on his extensive research of Confederate sailors and Marines. Later in the day, author Richard Triebe will sign books and discuss NC troops who were captured at Fort Fisher and sent to a prison camp in Elmira, NY. At 12:30, the NC Underwater Archaeology Unit will dedicate a new highway marker for the blockade runner Modern Greece.

Make it a weekend getaway by staying at Kure Beach to explore the area afterwards. Known as North Carolina’s small wonder, Kure Beach offers a naturally beautiful setting, miles of undeveloped beach and small-town atmosphere. Make sure to visit the nearby North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher to get up close and personal – and maybe learn something along the way – with an albino alligator named Luna, a spotted eagle ray named Twister, baby bamboo sharks and much more. Then explore the Fossil Dig area and play at Adventure Reef, an interactive children’s playground with plenty of space to climb, jump, crawl, balance and more! Visit the Kure Beach website for details on special offers and last minute lodging deals.