The Fort Fisher Visitors Center and Me

I even remember the very first Fort Fisher Visitors Center and Museum which was a maybe 60 by 60 foot metal shed located at Battle Acre by the Confederate monument.  I'm not sure when it was built.  As a matter of fact when I was really young, I liked going to Fort Fisher but not to see the history or museum of it.  There was this really strange man with a long beard and usually shirtless who held court there.  He was known as the Fort Fisher Hermit.

Then came the Civil War Centennial (1961-1965).  This happened right when I was the most interested in the Civil War in my young life (I was 10 to 15 during the centennial.)  Around 1963, they built the structure that served as the museum until earlier this year.

I spent a lot of time in there whenever I was in North Carolina visiting family.  

When I first heard about the new center, I was told that the plan was to immediately tear down the old one and put up a temporary structure to house the museum and center because of parking.  I thought that was not a good move.  Leave the old one up until right before the new one is complete and then move stuff over directly.

Part of the problem was parking, but I figured why not just have people park in the part of Fort Fisher that was torn down for an airstrip during WW II.  This is what they did.

I sure am going to miss the old one, but really look forward to seeing the new one.

--Old B-Runner

Pictures of the Old and New Fort Fisher Visitor Centers

The June 25, 2024, Wilmington (NC) Star-News had pictures of the old and new Fort Fisher Visitors Centers.  

The June 25 Wilmington NC WECT TV station had a picture of the destruction of the old one.

Sad But Exciting. --Old B-R'er

A Sad But Exciting Time for Me and Fort Fisher: The Old Visitors Center Is Demolished

From the June 25 WECT, Wilmington, N.C., News.

It is the end of an era for a museum showcasing the history of our area.

Crews are working as of Tuesday, June 25, to tear down the old Fort Fisher Visitor Center.

This comes as the new Visitors Center nears completion and is set to open later this summer.

If you've been down to Fort Fisher recently. you will have seen the new building being built right next to the old one.

The demolition of the old building should take a couple days.

(Sadly, it should be down now.)

Sad to see the old one go.  Excited about the new one.

----Old B-Sorrow

If You Want to Visit Fort Fisher, Better Do It Before April 16

From the April 9, 2024, NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

In the interest of safety and security, the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced today that the Fort Fisher Historic Site will temporarily close to the public beginning Tuesday, April 16 as workers relocate exhibits, artifacts and staff offices to the site' new 20,000 square foot visitors center.

In addition, work will begin on the restoration of parts of the fort  which were demolished when the fort was used as an anti-aircraft training facility during World War II

This temporary closure refers to all parts of the fort west of US-421, including the museum, restrooms, tour trails around the mounds and parking lots.

The sites Battle Acre, east of US-421, will remain open.

Plans called for a phased reopening during the summer.

But, if you want to see the fort, you'd better get out there before this coming Tuesday.

--Old B-Runner

Some More Naval Medal of Honor Recipients Buried in Moriah Cemetery, Philadelphia-- Part 2

There sure are a lot of Navy Medal of Honor recipients buried at this cemetery.  I wonder if it has anything to do with the Philadelphia Navy Yard being there.

John Lafferty, USS Wyalusing, versus CSS Albemarle.  Also received a second medal of Honor in Peru.

Nicholas Lear, USS New Ironsides, Fort Fisher

Thomas G. Lyons, USS Pensacola, Battle of New Orleans

James Martin II, USMC, USS Richmond, Battle of Mobile Bay

Matthew McClelland, USS Richmond, Battle of Port Hudson

John Smith, USS Richmond, Battle of Mobile Bay

William Thompson, USS Mohican, Battle of Port Royal

Alexander Truett, USS Richmond, Battle of Mobile Bay

John Williams, USS Pawnee, Mathias Point, Va.

William Williams, USS Lehigh, Charleston, S.C.

Sure a lot of Navy, Marine Medals of Honor buried in this cemetery.

--Ol B-R'er

Marines at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher-- Part 3: Six Received Medals of Honor

The book said that another 180 Marines aided the Army in their attack on the land face of the fort.

A number of Marines distinguished themselves during the attack.  Six received a Medal of Honor in the action.

Orderly Sergeant Isaac N. Fry and Sgt. Richard Binder received the honor for the manner in which they commanded their ship's guns.  Corporal Andrew J. Tomlin, of the USS Wabash, shouldered a wounded comrade and carried him to safety during the land attack.

Corporal John Rannahan and Pfcs John Shivers from the USS Minnesota, advanced further than any other Marines with their detachment.  LtCdr. James H. Parker, commanding the shore party from that ship remarked:  "Thompson got nearer the fort than any one from our ship by a few yards.  They [all] deserve promotion and medals."

The Marine battalion sustained 15 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, and one officer and 45 men wounded during the action.

--Old B-Runner

Marines at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher-- Part 2: Digging Entrenchments with 'Our Noses and Toes'

Marine Corporal Henry B. Hallowell from the USS Juanita was part of the Naval Brigade and wrote:  "The guns from the fort poured grape and canister into us, cutting us to pieces.  A few managed to crawl to the base of the fort, others tried to retreat, but this was made impossible by a barrage being thrown over our heads from the fort to prevent retreating.

"We were in a pretty fix, with the fort raking our ranks from the front and shells exploding at our rear.  History states that we entrenched ourselves.  The only entrenching we did was hug the ground and dig with our noses and toes."

After prolonged exposure to withering musketry and cannon fire, the sailors carrying only "cutlasses, well sharpened, and ... revolvers" (as per Ad. Porter's orders) broke and ran, carrying the Marines with them.

--Old B-R'er

Some More on the New Fort Fisher Visitors Center

From February 21, 2024, BNN Breaking  "Reviving history:  Fort Fisher's new visitor center aims to redefine historical exploration in Kure Beach" by Sakchi Khandelwal.

It's been a journey of persistence and vision, starting in 2009, to bring the new visitor center to Fort Fisher from conception to construction.  Now, with the project underway and scheduled to be completed by Labor Day things are moving along swiftly.

Jim Steele, the Fort Fisher Historic Site Manager, says:  "The new center is not just a building; it's a gateway for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of our history."

The budget for the whole undertaking is $25 million.  Throughout the whole process, feedback from the public has been a cornerstone of it.

--Old B-R'er

The New Fort Fisher Visitors Center Progressing

From February 21, 2024, WWAY News, Wilmington, N.C. "Fort Fisher Visitor Center Undergoing Finishing Touches" by Emily Andrews.

I've been watching this with more than a little interest as this old Confederate fort is my absolute favorite Civil War place.  Because of it I ended up being a teacher so I could work with history.

The so-far 18-month project began in October 2022 and has a price tag of $25 million.

Right now, plans are for having a ribbon-cutting ceremony this coming Labor Day.

--Old B-Runner

The Text of Sgt. Binder's Medal of Honor

From the Naval History and Heritage Command.

"BINDER, RICHARD, Sergeant USMC.  Born 1840, Philadelphia, Pa.  Accredited to Pennsylvania.

On board the USS Ticonderoga during the attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13 to 15 January 1865.  Despite heavy return fire by the enemy,  and the explosion of the  100-pounder Parrott rifle which killed8 men and wounded 12 more, Sergeant Binder, as Captain of a gun, performed his duties with skill and courage during the two days of battle.

As his ship again took position on the 13th, he remained steadfast as the Ticonderoga maintained a well-placed fire upon the batteries on shore, and thereafter, as she materially lessened the power of the guns on the mound which had been turned upon our assaulting columns.

During the action,  the flag was planted on one of the strongest fortifications possessed by the rebels."

--Old B-Runner

USMC Medal of Honor at Fort Fisher: Sgt. Richard Binder-- Part 1

From January 15, 2024, Medal of Honor Monday.

Sergeant Binder was born July 26, 1839, in Germany and moved to New York at age 15 before settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He worked as a barber and received his U.S. citizenship in 1860.  Just before his 22nd birthday, he enlisted in the Marine Corps on July 11, 1861.

He first served on a ship that sank at the Battle of Port Royal, South Carolina, on November 1861.   (The only Union ship I could find that sank at the battle was the transport Governor.)

From there he moved on to serve on other ships and participated in actions.  In 1864, he was transferred to the USS Ticonderoga.

During the second attack on Fort Fisher, January 13-15, 1865, Sgt, Binder was captain of a gun on board his ship.  During that time, he "performed his duties with skill and courage" according to his Medal of Honor citation.

Quite a Few Medals of Honor at Fisher.  --Old B-Runner

Raising More State Funds for the Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Same source as previous post.

Ted Davis' move to help the aquarium comes right alongside his efforts to secure funds for the adjacent Fort Fisher State Historic Site.  The Civil War fort is currently in the midst of a $22 million renovation project, which includes a new visitors center that is funded by the state.

Phase 2 of the project will include reconstruction of part of the fort and cost roughly $3.57 million, with the Friends of Fort Fisher (to which I belong)  contributing $1 million toward the project.  (The reconstructed area will be that part that was leveled for construction of an airstrip during World War II.) 

Davis has submitted a bill  that would have the state provide $2.9 million to help finance the next stage of the fort's renovations.  That bill, HB 297, is currently in the House  Appropiations Committee where it has been since March 8.

Davis notes that Fort Fisher is the most popular historic site in the state.

Old B-Runner

Those New Fort Fisher Otter Pups

A huge attraction of the former Fort Fisher near Wilmington, North Carolina is the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.  When I do Fort Fisher searches I often come across this place.

And, the big news out of there is that they now have three new otter pups who are now out for viewing.  Their names are Gemma, Kai and Rey.

I don't know about you, but watching a group of otters doing their otter thing is even better than watching squirrels.  And they sure have fun.  It ought to be illegal to have that much fun.

But, if you're planning on going out to see the new otters, you will need to purchase advance tickets on line.

RoadOtter

This Is the 5,025th Post of This Blog

Little did I believe that when I posted the very first item in this blog back on January 1, 2012, that it would still be an ongoing concern.  It is.

This grew our of my Saw the Elephant:  Civil War blog which grew out of my Cooter's History Thing blog.  I was writing so much about Fort Fisher and the Civil War Navy (both sides) that I decided to spin this one off.  

So, I broke the 5,000 mark last month.

Way Too Many Posts, But Sure Enjoy Them.  --Old B-Runner

CSMC's Company E and USMC Medals of Honor at Fort Fisher

Company E of the Confederate States Marine Corps (CSMC) was formed in Savannah and served at that station.  After Savannah was evacuated in 1864, they moved to Charleston, South Carolina, and after that place was evacuated, moved to the Wilmington Station and took part in the defense of the Second Battle of Fort Fisher.

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MARINE RECIPIENTS of the MEDAL of HONOR at SECOND BATTLE of FORT FISHER

Rank / ship 

RICHARD BINDER--  sergeant, USS Ticonderoga

ISAAC N. FRY--  orderly sergeant USS Ticonderoga

JOHN RANAHAN--  corporal USS Minnesota

JOHN SHIVERS--  private, USS Minnesota

HENRY A. THOMPSON--  private USS Minnesota

The first two received theirs for operating cannons on the ship.  The last three received theirs while participating in the Naval Column attack on the fort.

--Old B. Runner

Marines in the Civil War Quiz-- Part 2

Answers below.

6.  The USMC had a relatively minor role in the war.  Where did they mostly serve?

7.  However, they were involved as a unit in one battle.  What battle?

8.  What action attempted by US Marines on 8 September 1863 led to a stinging defeat?

9.  In their biggest action, some 400 Marines were involved in an assault on a fort on 15 January 1865.  What was the name of that fort?

10.  How many Marines received a Medal of Honor for this last action?

******************************************

ANSWERS

6.  Blockade duty on various ships.

7.  First Battle of Bull Run  (Where they ran as did most every Union soldier.)

8.  Attack on Fort Sumter

9.  Fort Fisher

10.  Five.  A total of 17 Marines received Medals of Honor in the war.

--Old B-Runner

McHenry County CWRT Discussion Group This Sat.: 'Marines in the Civil War'

The McHenry County (Illinois) Civil War Round Table discussion group will have a meeting this Saturday, April 29, to discuss the USMC and CSMC in the war.  

The meeting will be held at Panera Bread (US RT. 14 and Main Street) in Crystal Lake, Illinois, from 10 am to 11:30.  This will be in person and via Zoom.

The role -played by both the U.S. and Confederate Marines in the war is often overlooked, but, nonetheless important.  The CSMC was closely modeled after the USMC and served on ships as well as on land.  Both groups played a role in the Second Battle of Fort Fisher.

Where there is always good discussion (often times on subject) and debate.

Come on Out.  --Old B-Runner

Progress on Fort Fisher Visitors Center-- Part 3: Road Construction and World War II

The new visitor center and archaeology facility carry a price tag of $2.5 million, funds primarily secured through state  budget appropriations.

Nearly $3 million more is needed to complete the overall site improvement project, which includes reconstruction of a series of Civil War-era mounds.  To clear the site for a runway, the Army bulldozed  three of the mounds after activating Fort Fisher as  a training base during World War II.

A fourth mound was taken out by the construction of U.S. Highway 421 before the war.  US-421 ends at the "Rocks" by Battery Buchanan.  Also, North Carolina's Fort Fisher Ferry is located there (where people can go across the Cape Fear River to Southport.

The idea is to tell a complee and inclusive story of Fort Fisher.

Construction of the Fort Fisher visitor center is expected to be complete by mid-to-late May 2024.  Once the building is up and operating, the current visitors center will be torn down.

--Old B-Runner

Progress on the New Fort Fisher Visitors Center-- Part 2

There will be glass, lots of glass, to let natural light into the building and offer an unobstructed of the fort's earthen structures.

Upstairs, visitors will be able to travel back in time as they peruse the artifacts in the main exhibit space.  Glass walls will offer ocean and natural landscape views, one which includes many live  oaks stretching from the river to near the ocean.

There will be a 120-person multipurpose room available to rent, a gift shop overlooking the fort's earthworks, a second story balcony, a theater that will seat 100 people and a changeable  exhibit gallery of artifacts from the North Carlina Underwater Archeology Center.

The underwater archeology center, or UAC, is housed at Fort Fisher in a series of buildings, some built during World War II.  A new lab is also under construction several yards from the visitors center.  The lab is not open to the public.

--Old B-Runner

 

Officials Show Off Progress on New Fort Fisher Visitor Center

From the April 18, 2023, Coastal review by Trista Talton.

The new structure will be roughly three times the size of the existing one.  They say the existing one outgrew itself a long time ago so that is why a new one is needed.  By 2021, visitors exceeded 1,000,000.

(However, the new one was a huge improvement over the first one which was a square metal structure on Battle Acre, maybe 60 by 60 feet.)

The new one will have an airy indoor space with more exhibits and will offer views of the beautiful landscape of the area between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River.

Work kicked off about six months ago, but little of the new structure can be seen yet.  Right now it is just the tops of concrete pilings driven fifty feet into ground and a lot of freshly dug earth.  Those pilings took the better part of two months to complete and are the foundation of a two story building built to endure hurricane force winds and flooding associated with coastal areas.

--Old B-Runner