Southport/Smithville, N.C. History-- Part 3: Named For Benjamin Smith

Present-day Southport was founded as the town of Smithville in 1792.  Joshua Potts had requested the formation of a town adjacent to Fort Johnston, and the North Carolina General Assembly formed a commission of five men to administer its founding.

It was named for Benjamin Smith, a colonel in the Continental Army during the American revolution and later a governor of North Carolina.  Smithville grew up as a fishing village and since it supported military activity with its Fort Johnston, it was the county seat of Brunswick County from 1808 to 1977.

In an effort to promote  the town as a major shipping port, Smithville was renamed Southport in 1887.  Smithville Township, in which Southport is located, and other local landmarks like the cemetery continue to use the name Smithville.

The renaming of Smithville as Southport did not bring about its aim and it did not become a major sea port.  But, Southport is now known for its relaxed atmosphere and Victorian-era seaside charm.

--Old B-Southport