Civil War Traveler - North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA

Eastern North Carolina

South Mills

Dismal Swamp Canal Visitor Center
Route 17 about 3 miles south of the Virginia border
252-771-8333
After Union forces captured Roanoke Island in February 1862, the Northerners turned their attention inland. Among their targets was the Dismal Swamp Canal, which was an important supply artery to Confederates in the area and a potential "back door" to Norfolk. Union infantry unsuccessfully attacked Confederate forts protecting the canal near South Mills April 19, 1862. Ask for a nice brochure on the battle and the Civil War history of the canal at the visitor center. It's open daily Memorial Day-October. Other months, it is closed Sunday-Monday.

Battle of South Mills, Trails sign on Canal Drive, 1 block south of Main Street – Battle maps and other illustrations describe the April 19, 1862, battle here. Confederates successfully defended key areas of the Dismal Swamp Canal against Union attackers.

Elizabeth City

Museum of the Albemarle
501 S Water St, Elizabeth City NC 27909
252-335-1453
Road map
New main gallery with Civil War exhibits now open at this waterfront museum covering north coastal North Carolina. Open Tuesday–Saturday 9 am–5 pm, Sunday 2–5 pm. Free.

The following Elizabeth City sites are marked with North Carolina Civil War Trails interpretive signs. The theme of the series, “A Town Divided,” helps explain the deep rifts in the community, which resulted in a nasty “war within a war” involving both soldiers and civilians.

Place of Execution
Trails sign at Waterfront Park, South Water Street, Elizabeth City NC 27907
Road map
A Confederate guerilla, captured after a February 1863 attack outside the city, was executed here. The attack had killed a Union soldier and a 4-year-old girl, so Unionist emotions in the city were running high. Angry Confederate sympathizers in town called for the arrest of the Union officer ordering the execution, but he never was brought to trial.

Universal Panic & Distress
Trails sign across from Pasquotank County Courthouse, 207 E Main St, Elizabeth City NC 27909
Road map
Tension reached a peak here in December 1863 after a Union raid led by Gen. Edward Wild resulted in the hanging of a guerilla and the taking of women hostages. Wild threatened to execute his hostages if the guerillas harmed captured black troops under his command. Local citizens, fed up with the violence, attempted to create a neutral zone around the city but were unsuccessful. The guerillas continued to operate.

1st U.S.C.T Occupies the Town
Trails sign at the Roanoke Bible College, 715 N Poindexter St, Elizabeth City NC 27909
Road map
Members of the United States Colored Troops briefly were part of the Elizabeth City garrison during August 1863 helping to suppress guerilla activity and recruit more black soldiers. After 10 days service here, the black troops transferred to South Carolina.

The following Trails signs are located at the Pasquotank County Library, 100 E Colonial Ave, Elizabeth City NC 27900:
Road map
Ambush of Sanders & McCabe – Confederate guerillas killed two men near here Jan. 5, 1863, as they returned from a party celebrating the Emancipation Proclamation.
Burning of Elizabeth City – Confederate-leaning townsfolk convinced evacuating military authorities to burn the town as a Union naval flotilla approached Feb. 10, 1862. Fires were set and the courthouse was destroyed. Unionist citizens and occupying Union soldiers successfully fought the flames and limited the damage, but reports indicated that 2/3 of the town was burned. The town was under Federal control the rest of the war.

Battle of Elizabeth City
Trails sign in Waterfront Park near the Museum of the Albemarle
Soon after the Federal capture of Roanoke Island, Union naval forces headed up the Pasquotank River toward Elizabeth City. Standing in their way was the ragged Confederate "Mosquito Fleet," composed of tugs and other small watercraft converted to military use. The US Navy destroyed the small fleet in a Feb. 10, 1862, battle just downriver from Elizabeth City and then occupied the town.

Hertford

"A Rare Monument" ("In Memory of the Colored Union Soldiers"), Trails sign at the First Baptist Church corner of Kind and Hyde Park – Monument to those who served in the United States Colored Troops erected about 1912 on Academy Green, the site of the county's first black school, library and church.

Winton

The Burning of Winton, Trails sign located at the entrance to Winton Historic Cemetery at the intersection of King and River streets – Situated near two important railroad bridges, Winton became a target after the Union capture of Roanoke Island in 1862. A small contingent of the Union navy steamed up the Chowan River and met resistance here. The town was burned because of the "ambush tactics" of the Confederate defenders.

Murfreesboro

Naval Target, Trails sign located Murfreesboro at the Roberts-Vaugh House, at the intersection of Main and Wynn streets – This prosperous port and commercial center held the attention of both sides during the war, with numerous raids executed in the area.

Chowan County

Wingfield Plantation (War on the Chowan), Trails sign in county park on the Chowan River on Cannoon's Ferry Road, a mile west of Route 32 – The river became the border between Union-occupied territory to the west and Confederate-held to the east. Union forces seized the area near here in 1862 and built a fort on the river just south. An unsavory collection of Union troops and deserters (The Buffaloes) raided and plundered the area until they left in April 1863.

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Edenton

Visitor Center
108 Broad St, Edenton NC 27932
252-482-2637
road map
The visitor center offers "on-demand" walking tours of the historic district, which includes the town's Civil War history. Cost is $7 adults, $3.50 children ($15 max per family). The tour includes a visit to "St. Paul," one of four cannon cast from bells donated by Edenton churches. The Edenton Bell Battery served throughout the war. The gun with a sign explaining its history is located in front of the Barker House at the foot of Broad Street. The visitor center is open April–October Monday–Saturday 9 am–5 pm and Sunday 1–5 pm. From November through March, it closes an hour earlier and on Monday.

Edenton during the War, Trails sign on the waterfront near end of Main Street Interpretive sign here tells the story of the May 1864 battle between the ironclad CSS Albemarle and escorts and Union navy vessels waiting in the Albemarle Sound. The Confederates managed to damage several Union ships, then escaped back to its base in Plymouth. The town, like many in the area, contributed troops to both sides.

Creswell

Somerset Place State Historic Site
2572 Lake Shore Road, Creswell NC 27928
252-797-4560
road map
Once one of the most prosperous plantations in the state, Somerset Place extended to more than 100,000 acres and maintained 300 slaves during its 1785–1865 lifespan. The house has been preserved, offering information about both planter and slave cultures before the war. Open April-October Monday–Saturday 9 am–5 pm, Sunday 1–5 pm. November-March the hours are Tuesday–Saturday 10 am–4 pm, Sunday 1–4 pm. Free. Call to confirm hours.

Pettigrew Birthplace, Trails sign located east of Somerset near the Pettigrew grave site in Pettigrew State Park, 7 miles south of Creswell – Confederate Gen. James Johnson Pettigrew was born and is buried here on one of his family’s plantations. He was wounded while leading his division during Pickett’s/Pettigrew’s Charge at Gettysburg and again, mortally, during the Confederate retreat from that battlefield a few days later.

Plymouth

Port O' Plymouth Museum
302 Water St, Plymouth NC 27962
252-793-1377
road map
   Wonderful small museum tells the story of Plymouth during the Civil War including the Union occupation and the battle in April 1864. Special attention is paid to the famous Confederate ironclad CSS Albemarle, its successful exploits against the Union fleet and its sinking Oct. 27, 1864. Scale model of the Albemarle is anchored nearby. Summer hours: Monday–Saturday 9 am–4 pm, Sunday 1–4 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday during the winter. Small fee charged.
   Civil War Trails interpretive signs on the museum grounds or on the waterfront:
    Battle of Plymouth – Describes the last major Confederate victory in North Carolina. Combined water-ground assault April 17-20, 1864, resulted in the Confederates recapturing the town, 2,500 prisoners and 25 cannon.
    CSS Albemarle – Tells the story of the famous ironclad built in 1863. The Albemarle saw action in the battle of Plymouth and on the Sound in 1864. It was finally sunk Oct. 27, 1864, when the Federals reoccupied its base here.
    Cushing's Torpedo - Daring attack by a Union launch commanded by 21-year-old Lt. William B. Cushing, sank the CSS Albemarle here Oct. 27, 1862. The weapon: a cask of gunpowder at the end of a wooden spar impaled the ironclad and exploded.

Ausbon House, Trails sign at Third and Washington streets, Plymouth – Bullet holes attest to this home's use as a Southern sniper's nest during a Confederate attempt to take the town Dec. 10, 1862. The Southerners eventually withdrew. The sniper was shot dead here.

Greenville and area

Red Banks Church
Trails sign at 2700 Fire Tower Road, Greenville NC 27858
Road map
A sharp fight erupted here Dec. 30, 1863, when a Union detachment burned Red Banks Church, a frequent gathering place for Northern raids against nearby Confederate camps. The Confederates, responding to the fire, attacked but were turned back after hand-to-hand fighting.

Fort Fisher Hero
Trails sign at Hancock Church, 3647 Ayden Golf Club Road, Ayden NC 28513
Road map
Christopher Bland, a Confederate hero during the fighting at Fort Fisher near Wilmington, is buried here. Bland, a private, volunteered to raise a flag above Mound Battery during severe bombardment of the fort, Dec. 24, 1865. After the flag was shot down, he again scaled the flagpole, attaching a replacement.

Haddock’s Crossroads
Trails sign at Rose Hill Church, 6236 County Home Road, Ayden NC 28513
Following the Union occupation of New Bern in March 1862, Confederates established a camp here at the intersection of the main road connecting New Bern, Kinston and Greenville. Federals attached the camp Nov. 25, 1863, and won a quick victory, capturing 52 of the 75 defenders. The Confederates re-established the camp, which was attacked once again during the last days of the war in North Carolina.

Windsor

Engagement at Windsor
Trails sign at 503 Pitt St, Windsor NC 27983
Road map
On Jan. 30, 1864, a three-pronged amphibious Union assault routed a small Confederate force stationed here, a Southern recruiting station. Several Confederate sympathizers were taken prisoners after the fighting and were held hostage for the return of Union prisoners in Richmond.

Washington and area

USS Pickett (Battle of Washington), Trails sign at the waterfront on Stewart Parkway, one block east of Route 17 – On Sept. 6, 1862, Confederates under Maj. Stephen Poole attacked a Union garrison here backed by gunboats including the USS Pickett (which exploded during the battle). Union reinforcements overcame initial Confederate success and drove the attackers away, maintaining Union control of the town.

Siege of Washington, Trails sign at the EC Estuarium on Stewart Parkway, three blocks east of Route 17 – Hoping to reestablish Confederate supremacy somewhere in Eastern North Carolina, Gen. D.H. Hill staged actions against New Bern and Washington in March 1863. Unable to accomplish much at New Bern, Hill turned to Washington, besieging the town March 30–April 20. Hill held off Union gunboats downriver and infantry attacks against his fortified position five miles from town. Hill was called away by Lee and the siege was soon lifted by Union reinforcements.

Tranter’s Creek Action, Trails sign located 5 miles west of Washington on Route 264 in front of the Paint Productions facility – Months after the capture of Washington by Union forces March 20, 1862, Confederate Col. George Singletary with a small force moved to this area, threatening the Union garrison there. Learning of the threat, Union Gen. Edward Potter sent a force to clear out Singletary. After a sharp battle June 5, the Confederates withdrew farther west.

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Hamilton Area

Fort Branch
South of Hamilton and 2 miles east of Route 903
(watch for historical marker at turn)
Call 800-776-8566 or 252-792-6605 about visiting.
Confederates began fortifying this bluff 70 feet above a bend in the Roanoke River to help deter Union advances against the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad and protect the construction site of the ironclad CSS Albemarle. Work on the fort, begun February 1862, was completed a year later. A December 1864 Union attack failed to capture the fort. Well preserved earthworks in this extensive fortification remain. Original cannon remain at the site. Civil War Trails sign on site.

Tarboro and area

New Bern

Impressive collection of antebellum buildings here remains intact, possibly because Union forces occupied the strategic city early (March 1862) and used it as a North Carolina base and headquarters during the rest of the war. Union officers took up residence in many of the city's finest buildings. Town tour includes Civil War sign on the Neuse River waterfront promenade.

New Bern Visitor Center
203 S Front St, New Bern NC
800-437-5767
Road map
Civil War info and a downtown walking tour are available here.

Attmore-Oliver House
510 Pollock St, New Bern NC 28562
252-638-8558
road map
Learn more about New Bern's Civil War role in this 1790/1834 home. Civil War display includes several significant artifacts. Fee charged. Open by appointment. Trails sign on site.

New Bern Academy Museum
511 New St, New Bern NC
252-514-4874
Road map
This early 19th-century building, which served as a military hospital during the Civil War, now houses exhibits focusing on the history of New Bern, including much on the Civil War. Topics covered include the Confederate defense of the town in 1862, the Union occupation and battles, and the structure's role as hospital. Open 1–4:30 pm Monday-Saturday. Trails sign on site.

John Wright Stanley House, Trails sign in front of the building in the 300 block of George Street [ Road map ] – Birthplace of two men who chose different sides during the war, Edward Stanley, Unionist military governor of North Carolina and Confederate Gen. Lewis Armistead, who was mortally wounded at Gettysburg. The home also was the headquarters of Gen. Ambrose Burnside after the 1862 Battle of New Bern.

Jones House, Trails sign in front of the home at Pollock and Eden streets [ Road map ] – This 1809 building was used to house Confederate prisoners after New Bern fell to Union forces in 1862. Confederate spy Emeline Pigott may have been imprisoned here.

Battle of New Bern (Burnside Expedition)
After capturing Roanoke Island, Union Gen. Ambrose Burnside advanced toward New Bern. On March 13, 1862, Union infantry and naval forces approached the city but ran into opposition the next day from Confederates commanded by Gen. Lawrence O'B Branch. After heavy fighting, the Confederate lines were overwhelmed and Union soldiers entered New Bern. The city became the focal point for nearly all Federal activity in North Carolina during the war. Civil War signs explain the action:
Battle of New Bern (Smoke and Flames), Trails sign in Union Point Park on the waterfront [ Road map ] – Retreating Confederates set fire to warehouses full of military supplies and the Trent River bridge as Northern forces closed in by land and water March 14, 1862. After a brief period of bombardment and lawlessness, New Bern was occupied and became a Federal stronghold in eastern North Carolina.
Battle of New Bern (Thousands of Federal Soldiers), Trails sign at the intersection of Route 70 and Taberna Way, 4 miles east of New Bern [ Road map ] – Union soldiers approached this strong Confederate position March 13. A Union attack the next day exploited a weak spot, flanking and carrying the position. Note: A new park is under development to preserve and interpret nearly 25 acres of this pristine battlefield. Public access is limited until the park opens. For more information or to arrange special tours, call the New Bern Historical Society, 252-638-8558, or visit www.newbernhistorical.org/battlefield.html.

Greenwood Cemetery, Trails sign at the cemetery, 810 Cypres St, New Bern 28560 [ Road map ] – At least five men who served in the U.S. Colored Troops during the war are buried here along with noted educator and legislator James Edward O’Hara who taught in Freedman’s School here and in Goldsboro after the war.

New Bern National Cemetery, Trails sign at the cemetery, 1711 National Ave, New Bern 28560 [ Road map ] – Established Feb. 1, 1867, this national cemetery holds the remains of Union soldiers and sailors who were killed or died in hospitals in New Bern, Beaufort and Hatteras. A special section honors more than 1,000 unknown soldiers.

William Henry Singleton, Trails marker in St. Peters’s AME Zion Church, 617 Queen St, New Bern 28560 [ Road map ] – William Henry Singleton escaped slavery nearby and fled to the Union army in New Bern. In his book “Recollections of My Slavery Days,” Singleton writes that he helped recruit and train black troops for the Union army and met Abraham Lincoln. He was wounded at the Battle of Olustee in Florida.

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Kinston and Area

For more info about the Kinston area, call 252-522-0004.

Blue and Gray Information Center
101 E New Bern Road, Kinston NC 28504 (on US 70 near Route 258)
252-522-0004
Road map
This area visitor center stands on the site of the 1862 First Battle of Kinston (see driving tour) and is a few miles west of the Battle of Wyse Fork, fought in the waning days of the war in 1865. Information and exhibits describe both battles. Also find information about the CSS Neuse and many other of the area’s Civil War resources. Open daily.

First Battle of Kinston
Driving Tour
This 12-stop tour of follows the action during the battle of Dec. 13–14, 1862, part of Foster’s Raid. Stops include views of original Confederate earthworks, areas of fighting and the bridge over the Neuse River into downtown Kinston, burned during the fighting. A highlight of the tour is a battlefield park, located at Meadowbridge Drive and Harriett Drive, that preserves the left flank of the Confederate final defensive line. Pick up your free brochure at the Blue and Gray Information Center or call 252-522-0004 for a copy.

Neuse

CSS Neuse State Historic Site
2612 W Vernon Ave, Kinston NC 28502
(Highway 70 Business)
252-522-2091
road map
The CSS Neuse, named after the river on which it was based, was constructed 1863 amid Confederate hopes the ironclad could help regain control over the rivers and sounds of eastern North Carolina. In April 1864, the Neuse, not yet fully equipped, left Kinston to help with a planned attack against New Bern. Before it reached its target, the Neuse ran aground and eventually returned to its base. On March 12, 1865, she was burned by her crew to prevent capture. The wreck remained in the river until 1963 when it was raised, then located in its present site. The remains of the Neuse (much of its wooden lower structure and some of its iron plating) are displayed here. Open Monday–Saturday 9 am–5 pm. Free. Operating days and hours change from time to time. Call first. Civil War Trails sign on site.

CSS Neuse Replica
Gordon and Heritage streets, Kinston NC 28501
Road map
A full-sized replica of the Confederate ironclad is nearing completion at this downtown intersection. Worth checking out.

Cat Hole of the Neuse
Trails sign in Neuseway Park
401 W Caswell St, Kinston NC 28504
Road map
Heritage Street between King and Caswell streets
Work on the Confederate ironclad CSS Neuse was completed here, taking advantage of the high banks to lower machinery into the vessel. The Neuse steamed out from here April 22, 1864, but soon became stuck on a sandbar and returned. The Neuse fired shots at advancing Union troops March 12, 1865, before being scuttled by its crew.

Kinston

Battle of Wyse Fork
The battle here east of Kinston March 7-10, 1865, was an attempt by Confederates to delay or block a Federal advance on Goldsboro. The Union move was ordered by Gen. William T. Sherman in order to consolidate Northern forces and open a supply line to the coast through New Bern. Able to slow the advance a little, the Confederates withdrew and Union troops continued west. This was the second largest battle fought in North Carolina with 25,000 total troops involved. Three areas along US 70 east of Kinston help describe the action:

“Last Mass Capture of Union Troops”
Civil War Trails marker at 1893 US 70, ZIP code 28501 (Woodman of the World Parking lot)
Road map
Confederate attacks here March 8 seized about 1,000 Union prisoners and forced a Federal retreat toward New Bern. the tide later tuned with Union troops eventually overrunning this spot and entering Kinston.
Interpretive Wayside
US 70 and British Road, Kinston NC 28501
Road map
Wayside with parking and markers here (north side of US 70) offers large map and overview of the battle.
“Hoke’s Attacks”
Civil War Trails marker at US 70 and Wyse Fork Road, Trenton NC 28585
Road map

Burgaw

Burgaw Station: Antebellum Railroad Station
Trails sign at the Burgaw Depot, 115 S Dickerson St, Burgaw NC 28425
Road Map
This is one of two remaining antebellum railroad stations in North Carolina and was once a stop on the famous Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, the “Lifeline of the Confederacy.” Supplies moved along this route to Confederate armies in Virginia from the blockade-running port at Wilmington.

Kenansville

Confederate Arms Factory, Trails signs at the intersection of Routes 11 and 903 – Weapons and other supplies for the Confederate armies were produced here beginning in March 1863 and continuing, with a few interruptions, through June 1864. Among the items manufactured here were swords, bayonets, Bowie knives, buttons, surgical instruments and knapsacks. This site is an example of the huge amount of material produced in North Carolina that kept the Confederate armies in the field throughout the war.

Williamston

Asa Biggs House, Trails sign at North Smithwick and Church streets [ Road map ] – Home of prominent politician and jurist Asa Biggs from 1835 to 1862. Biggs served in the U.S. Senate 1854–1858, becoming a Federal, then Confederate district judge.

Links to North Carolina websites: North Carolina Links

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