Carolina Beach in New Hanover County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Shipwreck Site

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 24, 2025

1. Shipwreck Site Marker

Inscription. Since its sinking, the General Beauregard was forgotten by both the winners and losers of the American Civil War. Submerged in sand and sea water, deterioration caused by oxidation and electrolysis occurred rapidly at first and gradually diminished as it became encrusted with barnacles coral, and other marine organisms. The wreck became a habitat for sea life, especially fish.

In July 1891, a cable was attached from the shore to the General Beauregard as it became a favorite spot for catching sheephead fish.

Today, portions of the paddle wheel shaft and hubs may be seen during periods of low water. Archeologists have begun to study the General Beauregard and a number of other blockade runners in the vicinity. It is one of the key components of a unique National Register Shipwreck District. These wrecks represent a unique repository and cross-section of vessel types built during a traditional period in maritime architecture. They are a tangible reminder of a dramatic period in our American History.

(captions)
Artist's conception of the General Beauregard in its underwater resting site.
the General Beauregard at

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low tide. photo ca. 1963
Original appearance/Side view of wreck today/Top view of wreck today

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is December 11, 1863.

Location. 34° 1.626′ N, 77° 53.67′ W. Marker is in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It can be reached from the intersection of Lake Drive and Carolina Beach Avenue South when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 701 Carolina Beach Ave S, Carolina Beach NC 28428, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain and on the Cape Fear Coast.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Tidewater,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate

Artist's Conception of Wreck image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 24, 2025

2. Artist's Conception of Wreck

Left side of marker, close-up for better view of the shipwreck drawing.

States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The General Beauregard (here, next to this marker); Blockade Running (here, next to this marker); Loughlin Cottage (approx. half a mile away); The Joy Lee Apartment Building and Annex (approx. ¾ mile away); Battlefield of Sugar Loaf (approx. 1.2 miles away); Joseph Ryder Lewis Jr. Civil War Park (approx. 1.2 miles away); We are strongly entrenched here... (approx. 1.3 miles away); To close the port of Wilmington... (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carolina Beach.

More about this marker. Marker is one of three mounted in a gazebo located along the Lake Public Beach Access boardwalk.

Regarding Shipwreck Site. The wreck of the ship can be seen at low tide when the sidewheels just break the surface beyond the breakers.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. These two other markers combine with this one within the gazebo to add context to the shipwreck off shore.

Plan & Elevation Drawings image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 24, 2025

3. Plan & Elevation Drawings

Right Side of Marker, detail view of orientation drawings. Useful when looking at the visible wreckage (see next photograph).

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 25, 2025

4. Shipwreck

Drone view of the wreckage.

Shipwreck From Shore image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 25, 2025

5. Shipwreck From Shore

Even at low tide, the wreck can be only just exposed. This is at one of the lower winter tides in January 2025.

Marker Gazebo Proximity to the Wreck image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 25, 2025

6. Marker Gazebo Proximity to the Wreck

The gazebo with the three markers is circled in red under the red arrow. The wreck itself is right center. Drone photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 441 times since then and 147 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 20, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.