At the confluence of the Cape Fear River, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean lies the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport. Its exhibits tell the story of the region’s people and their relationship with the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River. This gives Southport a distinct maritime focus, reflected in the region’s history, historic tours, and the city’s waterside landscapes.
Maritime History and Museums
The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport collects, preserves, and interprets material culture related to the maritime history of the Lower Cape Fear region. It also tells the story of the people of the Cape Fear region and their relationship with the water. The importance of the Cape Fear River to the American colonies, and later to the United States, shaped Southport’s maritime history. The history of fishing includes thriving menhaden fisheries along the coast; later, shrimp fishing became a defining livelihood for local families.
The museum offers programs and events throughout the year for people of all ages and backgrounds. Those interested in the history of the water and the region will find a thematic introduction here, while the history of fishing offers another perspective on families’ livelihoods. Both aspects connect the maritime past with the people whose stories the museum tells.
The Old Brunswick County Jail Museum and Fort Johnston – Southport Museum and Visitor Center also offer tours led by knowledgeable docents. On the second floor of the former jail, the tour includes two cells as well as the living quarters of the jailer and his family. Fort Johnston – Southport Museum and Visitor Center also provides maps, brochures, and other helpful information about the area.
Historic Tours and Different Perspectives
Four self-guided historic tours of Southport are available through the free PocketSights mobile app. This format differs from tours led by knowledgeable docents at the Old Brunswick County Jail Museum and Fort Johnston – Southport Museum and Visitor Center: you can choose between an independent historic tour and a guided tour of one of the museums.
The city walking tour mainly passes through the historic area near the waterfront and highlights notable live oak trees. Their significance may be based on their age, size, beauty, historical role, or ability to thrive in the harsh coastal environment. The Southport African American Heritage Tour offers a different historical perspective, taking visitors to 17 sites connected with the city’s African American history.
The Old Smithville Burying Ground has been the final resting place of 1,093 people for more than 200 years. Living Voices events typically take place there on the weekend before Halloween; the timing may vary. If you’d like to include one of these events in your travel plans, check the date in advance.
River Views, Waterfront Scenery, and Parks
The Salt Marsh Boardwalk offers views of the Cape Fear River, the Elizabeth River, and broad stretches of Southport’s waterfront landscape. Southport’s Riverwalk runs along the Cape Fear River. You can distinguish the two paths by their described locations: the Boardwalk focuses on views of several waterways and the waterfront landscape, while the Riverwalk follows the Cape Fear River.
Waterfront Park offers views of the Cape Fear River and has a public fishing pier and covered picnic tables. Southport’s public city parks are open from sunrise to sunset. Boating is also available in Southport. The range of water-related activities extends from a walk along the waterfront to time at the fishing pier or on the water, without requiring the same kind of visit.
Southport brings together the region’s maritime history and several distinct ways to explore the city: guided tours, self-guided historic tours, paths connected with the river and waterfront, and public parks. When choosing, consider whether you’d like to focus your stay on the region’s history, particular sites connected with the city’s past, or the river landscape.
Discover more destinations: Sunset Beach, Holden Beach, Leland, Calabash, Ocean Isle Beach, Caswell Beach, Bald Head Island, Shallotte.
For the broader travel overview: Brunswick.
