Historical Markers in Brunswick County, North Carolina
(Map of the First 100 Lots)
Alfred Moore
Arthur Dobbs
Bald Head Lighthouse
Benjamin Smith
Boundary House
Brunswick
Brunswick County War Veterans Memorial
Brunswick Town State Historic Site
Cape Fear and Frying Pan Shoals
Cape Fear Lighthouse Foundation 19031958
Captain Charlies Station
Catalino Tingzon
Charles Town
Colonel Maurice Moore
Confederate Blockade Runner Ella
Daniel L. Russell
Deep Water Point 1812-1814
First Post Road
Fort Anderson
Fort Anderson
Fort Anderson
Fort Anderson
Fort Caswell
Fort Caswell
Fort Holmes, 1863-1865 Batteries No. 1 and No. 2
Fort Holmes, 1863-1865 Battery Holmes
Fort Holmes, 1863-1865 Battery No. 4
Fort Holmes, 1863-1865 Encampment Site
Fort Johnston
Fort Johnston
Franklin Square
Generator House
Guarding the Confederacy Lifeline
Honor America's Veterans
Hurricane Hazel
Indian Trail Tree
John LaPierre
Josiah Martin
Memorial to North Carolina Militia
Mrs. Jessie Stevens Taylor
Old Jail
Orton
Orton Plantation
Railroad & Religion on Rhett Street
Revolutionary War Fort
Robert C. Ruark
Robert Howe
Robert Ruark
Russelborough
Russellborough
Shallotte
Smithville Burying Ground
South Carolina / North Carolina
Southports First Fire Alarm
Spanish Attack
St. Philips Church
Stamp Act
Stede Bonnet
Union Blockading Ship U.S.S. Peterhoff
Washingtons Southern Tour
About Brunswick County
Brunswick County Timeline
Brunswick County, located in southeastern North Carolina, has a rich history that spans several centuries. The area originally belonged to Native American tribes, including the Cape Fear Indians. European settlers began arriving in the 1700s, with the county being officially established in 1764. Named after the royal House of Brunswick, the county played a significant role in the American Revolution.
During the Revolutionary War, Brunswick County was a strategic location due to its proximity to the Cape Fear River. British troops occupied the area, and important battles were fought nearby, such as the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge in 1776. The tide turned in favor of the American forces, ultimately leading to victory and independence.
In the early 1800s, Brunswick County experienced significant growth and development, particularly with the rise of the naval stores industry. The county's abundant pine forests were a valuable resource for producing tar, pitch, and turpentine, which were in high demand for shipbuilding. This industry helped fuel the local economy and attracted many settlers to the region.
In more recent history, Brunswick County has seen increased tourism and development, especially along its beautiful coastline. Popular attractions include the beach communities of Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Holden Beach. The county also gained national attention when it served as the backdrop for the hit television show "Dawson's Creek" from 1998 to 2003.
Overall, Brunswick County's history is characterized by its importance during the American Revolution, its contribution to the naval stores industry, and its thriving coastal communities.
During the Revolutionary War, Brunswick County was a strategic location due to its proximity to the Cape Fear River. British troops occupied the area, and important battles were fought nearby, such as the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge in 1776. The tide turned in favor of the American forces, ultimately leading to victory and independence.
In the early 1800s, Brunswick County experienced significant growth and development, particularly with the rise of the naval stores industry. The county's abundant pine forests were a valuable resource for producing tar, pitch, and turpentine, which were in high demand for shipbuilding. This industry helped fuel the local economy and attracted many settlers to the region.
In more recent history, Brunswick County has seen increased tourism and development, especially along its beautiful coastline. Popular attractions include the beach communities of Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Holden Beach. The county also gained national attention when it served as the backdrop for the hit television show "Dawson's Creek" from 1998 to 2003.
Overall, Brunswick County's history is characterized by its importance during the American Revolution, its contribution to the naval stores industry, and its thriving coastal communities.
Brunswick County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Brunswick County, North Carolina.
- 1729 - Brunswick County is established as one of the three original counties in North Carolina.
- 1735 - The county's first courthouse and jail are built near Town Creek.
- 1776 - Battles of Moore's Creek Bridge take place during the American Revolutionary War in present-day Brunswick County.
- 1784 - The county seat is relocated to the newly established town of Brunswick.
- 1808 - The county seat is moved again, this time to Smithville (now Southport).
- 1837 - The Cape Fear River is dredged, allowing larger ships to access the port of Smithville.
- 1865 - Fort Anderson in Brunswick County is captured by Union forces during the Civil War.
- 1959 - The Brunswick Nuclear Generating Station begins operating in Southport.
- 1997 - Brunswick County's population surpasses 50,000 residents.