US Naval Ordnance Testing Facility Observation Tower No. 2

Pender County, located in southeastern North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cape Fear Indians and the Waccamaw-Siouan tribe. In the early 18th century, European settlers arrived, primarily of English and Scottish descent, and began establishing plantations and farms.

During the American Revolution, Pender County played a significant role in the fight for independence. Many local residents joined the Patriot cause and fought against British forces. In 1776, the county was named after William Dorsey Pender, a Confederate general during the American Civil War.

The Civil War had a deep impact on Pender County, as it did with much of the South. It experienced significant military activity, including skirmishes and the occupation of Wilmington by Union forces. The county was also home to several notable figures of the Civil War, including Confederate General James Johnston Pettigrew.

In the 20th century, Pender County began to evolve as new industries emerged. Agriculture, particularly tobacco and seafood, remained important, but the county also saw the growth of manufacturing and tourism. Today, Pender County continues to flourish, with a thriving economy and a diverse community that honors its heritage while embracing the future.