Workers Preparing Fort Fisher for 159th Anniversary of Its Fall

From the Dec. 17, 2014, WECT NBC Wilmington, N.C. "Workers at Fort Fisher get ready for massive anniversary crowd" by Bob Townsend.

The year 2015 marks the end of the Civil War Sesquicentennial observance which has been good, but not as good as the centennial one was back in 1961-1965 (when I was ages 10-14).  Workers have been busily preparing for the observance of Fort Fisher's capture by Union force on January 15, 1865.

A new palisade fence was been erected along the land face of the earthen fort.  Also, new way sign markers have been placed.  (The old ones had gotten very faded out over the years.)

After Fort Fisher fell, the war lasted less than 90 days which makes its capture quite important.  Two battles were fought at the fort.  The first one began 150 years ago today, Christmas Eve, 1864.  The Union forces lost that one and withdrew, but came back about three weeks later and this time succeeded.

Fort Fisher officials will conduct special tours the weekend of Jan.17-18, 2015.  Over 500 re-enactors are expected to be on hand and over 20,000 visitors are expected.

There will be parking at the Air Force Fort Fisher Recreation Area to handle the overflow  vehicles.

--Old B-Runner