Southport Magazine

What: Lower Cape Fear and the War of 1812
When: Thurs., Oct. 18th through Sat., Oct. 20th
Info: 457-0003
www.ncmaritimemuseums.com/southport.html

Known as america’s second war for independence, the War of 1812 helped to preserve American territories as well as our political integrity. Our participation in the war solidified citizens’ confidence as we grew to become a great power of the world.

Paired with America’s desire to increase its territory, causes as well fell upon Great Britain’s continued fight to restrict U.S. trade, despite the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July of 1776. Throughout the war, a renewed sense of patriotism was instilled as American troops were able to hold back British invasions in areas like New York, Baltimore and New Orleans.
Though we lost many men to British, Canadian and Native American soldiers, the ratification of the Treaty of Ghent on February 17th, 1815 allowed our citizens to celebrate a coming era of national pride.

North Carolina is commemorating its involvement in the war—from British invasions on our coast to prominent North Carolina Navy men who were pertinent to U.S. victory—from Thursday, October 18th through Saturday, October 20th.

In our area, a slew of fun and educational events will be put on, and full details for all of these are available by calling the NC Maritime Museum at 457-0003.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Thursday, October 18th

12 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Old Brunswick County Jail and Old Smithville Cemetery Tours
Corner of Nash and Rhett streets • 457-7927
In the jail, graffiti was left behind from its decades of use to incarcerate prisoners, and the drawings can still be seen today. The old cemetery traces the history of Southport as far back as the 1700s.
3 p.m.: Rededication of the 1812
Historical Marker
Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn • 111 N. Davis St.
Join the National Society United States Daughters of 1812 as they rededicate the 1812 Historical Marker. Immediately after, a tea will be held in the Southport Community Building (223 E. Bay St.; 457-0665)

Friday, October 19th

11:15 a.m.: Dedication of the Deep Water Point Historical Marker
Bald Head Island Ferry Terminal
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Mystery Dinner Theater
Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn • 111 N. Davis St.
Hosted by the NC Maritime Museum, the mystery dinner theater will prove to be a night of shocking suspense. Meet at 6 p.m. on the Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn for casual cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Travel through the past, present and future, ending with a delectable dinner at the Southport Community Building. Admission: $25/museum members; $30/non-members; includes show, dinner, wine or beer. Limited space. RSVP by calling 457-0003.

Saturday, October 20th

Symposium in Southport Community Building
Living History on Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn
Admission for the symposium is $10. Register at the NC Maritime Museum (204 E. Moore St., Southport); checks can be made to Downtown Southport, Inc.
10 a.m.: Jim McKee “Fort Johnston in the War of 1812”
11 a.m.: Jim Greathouse “NC Gunboats in the War of 1812”
Noon: Luncheon
1 p.m.: Becky Sawyer “Life on the Home Front: Uniforms and Clothing of the Period”
2 p.m.: Andrew Duppstadt “Capt. Johnston Blakeley”
3 p.m.: Jeff Bockert “North Carolinians in the War of 1812”
4 p.m.: Memorial Service