I never realized what an influential piece of history Wilmington, NC held until I visited Fort Fisher State Historic Site.
The museum is free and extremely informative, history buffs should make a point to visit. From its Native American history, to early European pirates, and out into WWII – the visitor’s center is a great resource to learn about the region throughout time, however the focus is on the Civil War usage. Wilmington was North Carolina’s largest city at the time, strategic with its port and railroads to supply the confederates until the final months of the war. The fort is located on the Cape Fear River along one of two outlets to the ocean and kept the city open to blockade-runners (ships entering with goods and exiting with cotton) for the armies inland.
All sorts of torpedoes and mines were placed in the river to ward of union troops, so skilled confederate pilots had to board the blockade-runner ships and guide them down the river. In 1865 the supply line from Wilmington was the last route open to General Lee’s army. The remarkable thing about this fort is that it’s the site of the Civil War’s largest amphibious battle. A bombardment from 56 ships which lasted over two days and 8,000 piled on shore to seal the fate of the confederate army. The fort was taken and the war ended two months later. The museum is full of interesting little stories and personal narratives, you could easily spend an hour inside.
Take a walk outside to get to the fort, while only 10% of the original fixture remains – great restoration work has been done.
Climb upon the earthworks and take in the view, much more peaceful at this time.
Check out the seacoast cannons, fully operational and fired during special events.
Nearby
+Across the street is the Fort Fisher Monument commemorating the battle.
+Fort Fisher Beach is nearly six miles long, if you walk long enough you can lose the crowds and find some solitude.
The sand is pristine and dolphins frolic in the waves.
Parking is free.
+Also from the beach parking lot is access to the Basin Trail, a 2.2 miles RT out and back hike.
A long boardwalk cuts through the salt marsh exposing much wildlife.
Plovers, egrets, and heron stalk in the tall grass.
Signs of fiddler crabs are everywhere, if you are patient you will see them walking about in the mud.
Reach the WWII bunker, with an interesting post-war history. Known as ‘Hermit’s Bunker’ this spot was home to Robert Harrill during the 60s and 70s. 
After escaping the mental institution with a key made from a spoon, Harrill hitchhiked 260 miles and set up home here. He gathered the food he needed from the oyster beds, made a vegetable garden, and learned survival skills from another hermit in the area. He had many visitors from around the country and even internationally, so he was not a hermit in the true sense of the word and actually became the second greatest tourist attraction in North Carolina, behind the USS North Carolina. He wanted to share his ‘common sense’ beliefs and was quoted saying,
Everybody ought to be a hermit for a few minutes to an hour or so every 24 hours, to study, meditate, and commune with their creator…millions of people want to do just what I’m doing, but since it is much easier thought of than done, they subconsciously elect me to represent them, that’s why I’m successful…
He enjoyed living in nature and hiking around this beautiful area you can easily see why. Continuing down the line at the end of the trail there is an observation deck.
Head back the way you came.