The Dram Tree On the Cape Fear River-- Part 1: A Tradition Thing

I wrote about it in my last post and then realized most readers would not know what I was talking about so here's the stuff.

From the March 9, 2009, Wilmington (NC) Star-News My Reporter  "What is the Dram Tree?"  by Ben Steelman.

The Dram Tree was a bent, somewhat straggly cypress tree, covered with Spanish moss, that stood several yards out in the Cape Fear River, at a marshy patch on the east bank, near the present location of the State Port and the Sunset neighborhood.  Type in Dram Tree Cape Fear River to your search and see it.

CardCow has a nice postcard of it.

It was a landmark to mariners from Colonial times.  Passing it meant that vessels had successfully passed the dangerous Frying Pan Shoals at the mouth of the Cape Fear River.  Tradition had ships pausing near this tree and sailors were allowed a dram of rum, grog (watered-down rum) or some other alcoholic beverage to toast success from a voyage or a safe return if outgoing.

--Old B-Runner