National Register Listing

Brunswick County Courthouse

Davis and Moore Sts., Southport, NC
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

law courthouses buildings
In the early 1900s, North Carolina was home to a thriving film industry, centered in the town of Wilmington. Many early silent films were shot in the state.
North Carolina random facts
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.

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.