Brunswick Town, N.C., Was Burned To The Ground By The British
I love visiting historic sites of all kinds, but Brunswick Town near Wilmington, N.C. is a special treat for a number of reasons. First, it played a major role in the American Revolution, and secondly, a Civil War fort was built on the same site, giving visitors a lot to see!
As we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary, there’s no better time to explore a destination where every stone tells a story.
Brunswick Town not only offers a scenic journey along the Cape Fear River, but allows you to imagine the events that unfolded during the American Revolutionary War.
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Don’t have time to read the entire post? The colonial ruins of Brunswick Town, N.C. can be explored, free of charge, providing a glimpse of early American colonial life along with a Civil War defensive fort.
A Perfect Day Trip For History And Nature
Tucked away along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina lie the haunting ruins of Brunswick Town—a once-thriving colonial seaport reduced to ashes during the Revolutionary War.
Once filled with the sounds of commerce and chatter, today you can wander its crumbling foundations, walk between the remains of houses and imagine the lives that once lived in this bustling port town.
It’s not often you can visit one site and have the opportunity to see two different time periods, but this quiet, picturesque site on the banks of the Cape Fear River has an amazing past that includes the Civil War era as well.
Plan A Visit To Brunswick Town, N.C.
Address: Brunswick Town / Fort Anderson: 8884 St. Philip’s Rd. SE, Winnabow, N.C.
Phone: 910-371-6613
Brunswick Town is located close to Wilmington and the nearby beaches of Wrightsville, Carolina and Kure, so makes a great afternoon excursion.
Also… did I mention that it’s FREE?
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday, and designated state holidays.
There are picnic tables and a gift shop available on the site, as well as restrooms.
What To See At Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson
1. Historic Structures
The walls of St. Philips Church (1768) and the foundation of Russelborough (ca. 1760), the home of royal governors Arthur Dobbs and William Tryon, are the featured archaeological remains. Numerous other residential foundations of the colonial period are also displayed.
The earthen walls of Confederate Fort Anderson are also visible with wayside markers explaining the fort’s role in the Civil War.
2. Visitor Center
The visitor center features an audiovisual program that tells the story of Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson.
Displays cover both the colonial town and the Civil War fort periods.
A mural by Claude Howell and Catherine Hendricksen in the lobby depicts a Spanish attack on the town in 1748. (It’s really cool).
You can also see a cannon recovered in 1986, believed to be from the Spanish ship Fortuna. The visitor center gives you the opportunity to see local artifacts and relics that were found on the site.
3. Trails, Monuments, Outdoor Exhibits
Trails through the colonial ruins of Brunswick Town are enhanced with wayside markers that explain the history of the colonial town, the exposed foundations, and Fort Anderson.
The pathway is beautiful and winds along the river. Even if you’re not into history the walk through this site is worth a stop for its natural beauty.
The History of Brunswick Town
In 1726 Maurice Moore, the son of a former South Carolina governor, founded this port town. North Carolina was a colony of England, and the town was named Brunswick to honor George I, the king of England, who was also duke of Brunswick in what is now Germany.
The port became a bustling shipping area for exporting tar, pitch, and turpentine–products that were derived from the abundant supply of longleaf pine.
Visiting Wilmington, N.C.? Don’t miss the historic Burgwin-Wright House and Garden tour!
This “sticky gold” was essential for building and maintaining the great wooden sailing ships of the Royal Navy and the merchant fleet that sailed the oceans between Europe, its American colonies and the islands of the Caribbean.
With two successive royal governors in residence, Brunswick was the de facto capital of the colony and the colonial assembly occasionally met in the courthouse.
In 1765 the colonists challenged the Crown’s authority to distribute tax stamps. That action, eight years before the Boston Tea Party, halted the collection of the tax along the Cape Fear–and put a target on Brunswick Town during the Revolutionary War.
Going to Wilmington, NC? Check out these activities!
What You Can See Today
Once a thriving port on North Carolina’s Cape Fear River, Brunswick Town played a key role in the years leading up to the American Revolution—until British troops burned it to the ground in 1776.
During the Civil War, the Confederacy built Fort Anderson atop the old colonial village, using it to help defend the river approach to Wilmington.
Today, visitors get a unique experience when they walk the scenic trail that winds past the colonial-era foundations and over the remaining earthworks of the Confederate fort.
Fort Anderson: A Civil War Defense
Fort Anderson, the second largest fort in the Cape Fear River defenses, was constructed on top of the ruins of Brunswick Town.
The total fort extended for more than mile from the Cape Fear river to Orton Pond and featured two batteries, each mounting five cannons.
The fort’s objective was to defend the shipping channel and protected blockade runners supplying General Lee’s army.
After the capture of Fort Fisher by Union forces on Jan. 15, 1865, Fort Anderson became the last major obstacle between the Union Army and the vital port of Wilmington.
It was finally abandoned by on Feb. 19, 1865, when Union forces attacked from both land and river. Union gunboats and infantry secured the fort on February 22, 1865, leading to the occupation of Wilmington.
The Second National Flag in the Exhibit Hall flew over Fort Anderson in 1865 and returned to the site in 2005 with the help of the Friends and other donors.
Decline and Revolutionary Impact
The rise of Wilmington and the relocation of most political appointments led to Brunswick Town’s decline. By the spring 1776, few people remained in Brunswick Town, especially after British redcoats landed in March and again in May.
It’s believed that the town was burned during the second raid.
By the end of the Revolutionary War families and merchants had moved to other locations, and the ruins and land became part of Orton Plantation in 1842.
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Take A Revolutionary Road Trip
This unique stop in North Carolina is among 27 North Carolina Historic Sites, but you won’t find another that lets you stroll through history from the 1720 to the 1860s.
Located on a low bluff on the west bank of the Cape Fear River, the site is 14 miles from the mouth where the Cape Fear and Atlantic meet.
The colonial ruins of Brunswick Town is a true hidden gem that is ready to reveal its secrets before the nation celebrates a monumental 250 years of freedom.
Planning A Trip To Wilmington?
Find the perfect accommodations with Booking.com. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, they have a room for every preference, including pets and pools.
Discover the best tours and activities with Viator or Get Your Guide. Explore iconic landmarks, take guided tours and immerse yourself in history.
Rent a car with Discover Cars and enjoy the freedom to explore the town at your own pace. Discover hidden gems, explore the countryside and make the most of your trip.
Need a flight? Check FareDrop for the best deals.
Don’t forget travel insurance with SafetyWing.
