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This trail is rated a 1 and is suitable for strollers and
wheelchairs with slight modifications.
The route includes the old Smithville burying grounds
(not accessible with a wheelchair), a walk along the boardwalk to a gazebo
overlooking the Cape Fear River, and past Fort Johnston
(probably the smallest active US Army post).
This YRE walk qualifies for the following Special Programs.
- American Revolutionary War:
- Fort Johnston: East Bay Street.
The Fort was build from 1748-1764.
North Carolina's last Colonial Governor,
Josiah Martin fled there from the capitol in New Bern in June 1775.
In July the local militia under the command of Captain Robert Howe
marched on the fort causing the governor to flee with his family
to the protection of the British warship, Cruizer.
He was the last royal governor of North Carolina.
Patriot militia burned the fort in July 1776.
It was rebuild by the U.S. government 1794-1809.
Only a garrison house, dating from after the Revolution, remains of the fort.
- Robert Howe became the only Southern Major General.
A monument in his honor is in the graveyard through which the walk passes.
- Authors and Literary Landmarks:
- "The Old Man and the Boy" and many more by Author Robert Ruark.
Robert Ruark lived on 119 Lord Street.
- The Lighthouse Encyclopedia by: Ray Jones
- Cemetery Stroll:
- Smithville Burying Ground.
- Lighthouse USA:
- Oak Island/ Baldhead Island
- River Walk America:
- Walk the USA A-Z
- Walking Europe in the USA:
Start Point Map:
Map of
113 W Moore St.
Southport, NC 28461-3827
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Start Point:
Southport Visitor's Center
113 West Moore Street
Southport, NC 28461
Tourist Info:
(910)457-7927
Awards:
Credit only ($3.00)
Hours:
- (Summer) Memorial Day thru Labor Day
Monday thru Friday: 10:00 - 5:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 4:00
Sunday: 1:00 - 4:00
- Labor Day thru Memorial Day
Monday thru Saturday: 10:00 - 4:00
Closed Sunday's
Closed Thanksgiving
Closed Christmas thru Jan/02.
POC:
Rosemarie Goodnight
(704)279-5011
e-mail: brgood13@alltel.net
Directions:
FROM THE WEST: take US 74 east to the junction of NC 211.
Take NC 211 south to Southport (it becomes Howe Street) and take a right at
the last stoplight before the water (Moore Street).
The Visitors's Center is on the left beside Keziah Memorial Park.
FROM WILMINGTON: take US 74 west. Follow US 17 south and take a left onto NC 87.
When NC 87 joins NC 133 at Sunny Point, bear right onto NC 133.
Take a left onto NC 211 (Howe Street) and turn right at the last stoplight
before the water (Moore Street).
The Visitor's Center is on the left beside Keziah Memorial Park.
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