Fort Fisher presents "The Lights of the Great Armada"

  • Published
  • By Connie Nelson
  • Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau
KURE BEACH, N.C. --  The year 2012 marks the 147th Anniversary of the end of the Civil War. A free, public event will be held as part of the state's observance of the Civil War anniversary.

The event will be held by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources' Fort Fisher State Historic Site from Jan. 21 through Jan. 22, 2012, to commemorate the Second Battle of Fort Fisher, the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War.

Fort Fisher presents "The Lights of the Great Armada," which will begin at 10:00 a.m. and go until 4:00 p.m. on Jan. 21, 2012 and continue from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2012.


The event will highlight the war's largest amphibious assault with a Navy and Marine living history program that includes small arms and artillery demonstrations, a period torpedo/steam engine exhibit, as well as special presentations focusing on the Union and Confederate sailors and Marines who fought at Fort Fisher in January 1865.

Guest speakers include Dr. Robert M. Browning Jr., chief historian for the U.S. Coast Guard, who is an author of several books and dozens of articles on the Civil War. Also presenting will be Dr. Mark Wilde-Ramsing, deputy state archaeologist with the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology, who will discuss the blockade runner. Larry Bopp and Steve Bockmiller of the U.S. Marine Corps historical company and ship's company will also present.

Re-enactors in period costume will bring history to life throughout the day with Confederate artillery demonstrations, cannon and small arms firings. "The Lights of the Great Armada," offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to learn more about local history and Fort Fisher's role in the Civil War.

Visitors, residents and motorists are advised of loud explosions during cannon firings and artillery demonstrations.

For more information, please contact Fort Fisher State Historic Site for more details at 910-458-5538 or visit www.fortfisher.nchistoricsites.org.