Historical Markers in Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Bolivia is the county seat for Brunswick County
Bald Head Island is in Brunswick County
Brunswick County(62) ► ADJACENT TO BRUNSWICK COUNTY Columbus County(4) ► New Hanover County(173) ► Pender County(47) ► Horry County, South Carolina(236) ►
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On Staion House Way north of Chicamacomico Way, on the right when traveling north.
An underwater labyrinth of sandbars stretches for 20 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, varying in depth from 3 to 15 feet, causing frequent shipwrecks. One of North Carolina's three great capes, collectively known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, . . . — — Map (db m115691) HM
On Federal Road at Capt Charlies Point Road, on the right when traveling south on Federal Road.
The Cape Fear Lighthouse stood here until it was deactivated and replaced by the Oak Island lighthouse across the mouth of the river. The wrought iron and steel frame of the tower stood 150 feet high and its flashing lens was capable of reaching an . . . — — Map (db m115767) HM
On Federal Road at Capt Charlies Point Road, on the right when traveling south on Federal Road.
These four dwellings were provided by the government for the keepers of the Cape Fear Lighthouse and their families. Captain Charles Swan, the first keeper of the light, lived with his family and staff in these homes from 1903 until 1933. The . . . — — Map (db m115702) HM
On South Bald Head Wynd, 0.1 miles south of Salt Meadow Trail, on the right when traveling south.
Union ships chased the blockade runner Ella ashore on Bald Head Island as she tried to enter Old Inlet on December 3, 1864. Over the following two days, Confederate soldiers from Fort Holmes salvaged goods from the derelict vessel before she . . . — — Map (db m165876) HM
On West Bald Head Wynd at Cape Fear Trail, on the left when traveling south on West Bald Head Wynd.
A rectangular sand bastion, Battery No. 2 mounted a 100-pounder Brooke Cannon and was located about 200 yards east. The site of circular-shaped Battery No. 1 with its 10-inch Columbiad cannon is about 100 yards to the west. It sat upon the south end . . . — — Map (db m165878) HM
On West Bald Head Wynd at Sea Gull Trail, on the right when traveling south on West Bald Head Wynd.
Fort Holmes’s largest earthen battery was built on the southwestern elbow of Bald Head Island to guard Old Inlet for blockade running ships. Its seacoast cannon provided cross-fire with Fort Caswell on Oak Island. Erosion claimed Battery Holmes by . . . — — Map (db m115743) HM
On Light House Wynd at North Bald Head Wynd, on the left when traveling north on Light House Wynd.
Battery No. 4 highlights what remains of Fort Holmes. This crescent-shaped sand bastion mounted two 24-pounder and two 32-pounder cannon to guard against an enemy attack from the direction of East Beach and Bald Head Creek. The battery and a large . . . — — Map (db m115759) HM
On Ballast Stone Ally east of North Bald Head Wynd, on the right when traveling east.
In this area stood the main base camp for Fort Holmes’s garrison troops, and the headquarters of Colonel John J. Hedrick, 40th Regiment NC Troops. The barracks and storehouses were made largely of red cedar lumber and shingles, hewed from Bald Head . . . — — Map (db m115745) HM
This brick structure was built to house the generator for the Cape Fear Lighthouse. A slate roof covers brick walls that are approximately 10-1/2 inches thick. — — Map (db m115696) HM
On Light House Wynd north of North Bald Head Wynd, on the left when traveling north.
Wilmington, North Carolina was the Confederacy's most important Seaport during the Civil War. By 1864, it was the last Atlantic Port open to trade with the outside world. General Robert E. Lee said: “If Wilmington falls, I cannot maintain . . . — — Map (db m165877) HM
On Light House Wynd at Ballast Stone Alley, on the left when traveling west on Light House Wynd.
British troops constructed Fort George to defend Bald Head Island and their warships’ anchorage at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. American forces attacked the fort, but were repulsed, in early September 1776. This was believed to be the first . . . — — Map (db m115744) HM
On Station House Way north of Chicamacomico Way, on the left when traveling south.
U.S.S. Peterhoff served on the Union blockade of the Cape Fear until it was accidentally run into and sunk by the U.S.S. Monticello on March 7, 1864 off bald Head Island’s East Beach. The Peterhoff’s remains are located about . . . — — Map (db m115693) HM
