Coastal and Eastern

The Atlantic coast of North Carolina is protected for much of its length by a series of barrier islands. Control of these islands and the bodies of water west of them known as "sounds" was crucial for both sides. Early in the war Union forces moved to occupy the islands in order to choke off Southern-friendly shipping and control the deep-water rivers that fed the sounds. Losing the coast put most of Confederate eastern North Carolina in danger and threatened the critically important supply line on the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad.

Realizing the importance of eastern North Carolina, Union Gen. Ben Butler launched an amphibious attack against Confederate-manned forts located at the southern tip of Hatteras Island. The forts fell Aug. 29, 1861. A similar Union attack in February 1862 toppled Confederate defenses on the strategically located Roanoke Island. The Roanoke expedition, planned and led by Gen. Ambrose Burnside, resulted in Union control of several of the sounds and coastal rivers.

A little more than a month later, on March 14, 1862, New Bern fell. Federal troops used the town as a base for the remainder of the war. Fort Macon, a brick structure guarding the approach to Beaufort, was surrendered by the Confederates April 25.

The loss of most of the North Carolina coast and coastal waterways was a blow both to Confederate morale and the young nation's ability to supply its armies in the field. By late spring 1862, Union soldiers occupied the towns of Plymouth, Washington and New Bern. But aside from a few raids from those bases, the Union forces went no farther until the very end of the war when Sherman entered North Carolina in March–April 1865.

The one bright spot for the Confederates along the coast was Wilmington. Protected by strong fortifications at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, the port remained open, shipping supplies to Lee's army in Virginia until the forts fell in early 1865.

More reading

"The Wilmington Campaign and the Battles for Fort Fisher," by Mark A. Moore, published by Savas Publishing Company.

"Portrait of the Past: The Civil War on Hatteras Island North Carolina" and "Portrait of the Past: The Civil War on Roanoke Island North Carolina" both by Drew Pullen, Photographs by Robert V. Drapala. Published by Aerial Perspective/Robert V. Drapala Publishing, Mt. Holly NJ.

Visitor Information

Pick up a free brochure highlighting northeastern North Carolina Civil War sites at many of the following locations. Or call 888-872-8562 or visit the North Carolina Northeast Partnership website (see Links) for a copy.

For more information about the 80-mile Dare County Heritage Trail (Hatteras to Roanoke Island), call 252-473-5772.

Hatteras

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
59200 Museum Drive, Hatteras NC 27943
252-986-2995
 road map 
Markers in the parking lot of this new museum at the southern tip of the island describe Civil War events at or near the site, including the capture of Forts Hatteras and Clark in 1861, the sinking of the USS Monitor in 1862, and other wartime shipwrecks in the area. Open Tuesday–Saturday 10 am–4 pm.

Other Outer Banks Markers
Look for "Civil War Marker" signs on Route 12.
   "The Chicamacomico Races" marker describes a Confederate attempt to retake the Hatteras forts in early October 1861. The Southerners chased a Federal detachment southward from here, then were chased by Union reinforcements. Located across from the Life Saving Station Museum north of milepost 40.
   "The Fanny," a National Park Service marker, describes the capture by the Confederates of a Union supply ship, Fanny, Oct 1, 1861. The Chicamacomico Races soon followed. Located in a picnic area on the soundfront north of milepost 40.
   "America's First Amphibious Assault" describes the action at Forts Hatteras and Clark. Also notes Civil War veterans from the island. Located north of milepost 71 in parking lot of civic center.
    "America's First Attempt at Civil War Reunification" describes islanders' attempt to reconstitute a Union-oriented government. Located on the grounds of the ECB Bank, a block west of Route 12 in the Town of Hatteras.

Roanoke Island

Roanoke Island Festival Park
1 Festival Park, Manteo NC 27954
252-475-1500
  road map 
Most of this park is devoted to the 16th-century English settlement here, but the museum includes a very good Civil War display with maps, artifacts and some interesting stories about the February 1862 battle for the island and other war-time events in the area. $8/adult. Open daily mid-February through December 9 am–5 pm.

Freedmen's Colony /
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
252-473-5772, 252-473-2355 or 252-473-4275
The park visitor center has some information about the Civil War but the focus is the 16th-century site. Emphasis here is the Freedmen's Colony set up after Union forces captured the island. Slaves escaping the mainland flocked to the protection of the Federal army. A formal colony was established in May 1863. Several units of Union troops were raised from the colony. A series of markers is located at the north tip of the island, just off Route 64/264. A walking trail connects the site to the Fort Raleigh visitor center.

Other Roanoke Island Markers
(Watch for brown signs on Routes 64/264)
   "Gateway to the Albemarle" gives a good overview of the area and the strategic importance of Roanoke Island. Marker actually located on the mainland just west of the "old" bridge to Roanoke Island on Route 64/264.
   "Burnside Expedition of 1862" describes the February 1862 Union attacks that resulted in the Union capture of the island. Marker located at the new Outer Banks Visitor Center on Route 64.
   "Battle of Roanoke Island" provides an overview of the Union infantry attacks that eventually overwhelmed the Confederates, who were outnumbered 4:1. Located behind white picket fence just south of Route 64 on Route 345. Marker on east side of road, park on west side.

Beaufort / Fort Macon area

Fort Macon State Park
Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach NC 28512
252-726-8598
 road map 
Built 1826–1834 to protect the deep-water port at Beaufort, this fort was taken by North Carolina militia in April 1861. Confederate occupation lasted a little more than a year. Fort Macon fell April 25, 1862, to a Union land-sea operation. The site remains in good shape and is maintained with its Civil War history in mind. Good exhibits located in the casemates. Frequent programs during the summer. Guided and self-guided tours available. Civil War Trails interpretive sign at pedestrian entrance. Fort open daily March–October, guided tours April 15–Oct. 15. Free.

The following sites are marked with North Carolina Civil War Trails interpretive signs:

Beaufort Historic Area, Trails sign at the Josiah Bell House on Turner Street - Union signalmen stood near here directing the fire against Fort Macon in 1862. Soon after, the port became an important Union coaling station for the blockade. Tour of the historic area includes the Bell house, home to a Confederate secret agent and the Old Burying Ground, where soldiers from both sides, free blacks and slaves are buried.

Carolina City, Trails sign located at the Crystal Coast Visitor Center, Morehead City on Route 70 East – Camps for Confederate troops early in the war became a Union base and headquarters in March 1862 as Northern troops advanced on Fort Macon from New Bern. Abandoned after the activity, Carolina City became part of Morehead City.

Hoop Pole Creek, Trails sign in the Atlantic Station Shopping Center, west of Atlantic Beach on Route 58 – Union position here became the base of operations against Confederate-held Fort Macon, five miles away, March-April 1862. From here, Federal artillery was dragged with difficulty up the beach to within range of the fort.

Bogue Sound Blockhouse site, Trails sign at the entrance to Gesthemene Cemetery, Route 24 and McCabe Road – Union outpost built in 1862 came under attack in February 1862 by Confederates supporting an effort to recapture New Bern. The Union occupants fled to the Newport Barracks.

Newport Barracks site, Trails sign on Main Street at the railroad tracks in Newport - Confederate soldiers built the barracks here early in the war but were occupied by Union forces during the Fort Macon operations in 1862. A sharp fight here in early February 1864 resulted in a short-lived Confederate re-occupation of the area.

Swansboro area

Huggin's Island Battery
Trails sign located in Hammocks Beach State Park, 3 miles east of Route 24
This Confederate artillery position was constructed during the fall of 1861 to guard against the increasing Union activity on the coast. It was abandoned after the capture of Roanoke Island in February 1862. This is the best-preserved earthen fortification on the North Carolina coast.

Wilmington and Area

At the outbreak of the war, Wilmington was the largest city in North Carolina with a population of about 10,000. As the Union blockade choked off shipping to Southern ports, the city became critically important to the Confederate war effort. Blockade runners were able to slip into the mouth of the Cape Fear River protected by a series of forts, including the ocean-side Fort Fisher. World commerce flowing into Wilmington was used to fuel Lee's army in Virginia via the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad with connections to Petersburg and Richmond. "Lee's Lifeline" functioned until early 1865 when Union forces captured Fort Fisher, then marched north to occupy Wilmington. Many fine antebellum buildings, including the Bellamy Mansion, are included in a town tour. For more information, stop at the Cape Fear Museum or call 800-222-4757 for general information.

Cape Fear Museum
814 Market St, Wilmington NC 28401
910-798-4350
 road map 
Nice museum features a large model of the Civil War-era Wilmington waterfront surrounded by exhibits detailing the city's wartime history including blockade running. Nearby, a large audio-visual diorama dramatically describes the final assault at Fort Fisher in 1865. $5/adult. Open Monday–Saturday 9 am-5 pm and Sunday 1–5 pm Memorial Day–Labor Day. Closed Monday other times.

Engagement at Forks Road
Trails sign and preserved earthworks near the parking area for the Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S 18th St, Wilmington NC 28412
 road map 
Some original Confederate defenses remain from the Southern defensive line that slowed the Union advance toward Wilmington here Feb 20–21, 1865, after the fall of Fort Fisher.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Visitor Center
1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S, Kure Beach NC 28449
(Route 421)
910-458-5538
 road map 
Confederate fort built between the ocean and the Cape Fear River, guarding the approach to Wilmington. Only about 10 percent of the original fort remains, but what is left is impressive. The visitor center describes the importance of the fort and the battles that eventually resulted in the Union capture Jan. 15, 1865.
    The visitor center offers a bookshop, audio-visual program, and newly refurbished exhibits tracing the history of the campaign and battles. The centerpiece of the exhibits is a large fiber-optic battle map featuring a three dimensional model of Fort Fisher, thousands of moving lights, and dramatic narration and sound effects illustrating the final bloody hours of Fort Fisher.
    A tour trail circles the fort's massive remains. A restored gun emplacement at Shepherd's Battery features a fully operational replica of a 32-pdr. seacoast cannon. Wayside exhibits, placed along the tour trail and oceanfront, provide historical context for visitors. Battle Acre features a monument to soldiers who fought here.
    Hours: April–September, Monday–Saturday 9 am–5 pm, Sunday 1–5 pm. October–March, closed Sunday and Monday, open 10 am–4 pm other days. Free.

Southport / Fort Johnston

Trails sign located adjacent to the community building at the intersection of Bay and Davis streets.
Confederates took possession of this fort guarding the Cape Fear River in April 1861 following the fall of Fort Sumter in Charleston SC. Blockade runners slipped safely under its guns to Wilmington throughout the war.

Brunswick Town / Fort Anderson State Historic Site
8884 St Philip's Road SE, Winnabow NC 28479
(Take Route 133, River Road, north from Southport)
 road map 
Large fort commanding the Cape Fear River on the west side. Built by Confederates in 1861 on the site of an 18th-century town (Brunswick). The fort fell to Union forces in February 1865 as Federal troops marched toward Wilmington after the fall of Fort Fisher. The state historic site interprets both eras at the museum/visitor center. Self-guided walking tours of both sites available. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm. Free. 910-371-6613. Civil War Trails sign on site.

Suggestion: Take a Cape Fear River loop from Wilmington. Travel south from Wilmington on Route 421 to Fort Fisher, then take the automobile ferry ($5) across the river to Southport then north on the west side of the river on Route 133 to Fort Anderson, then back to Wilmington. This tour will take most of a day with lunch (at Southport?), tours of both forts and maybe even a stop at the beach.

South Mills

Dismal Swamp Canal Visitor Center
Route 17 about 3 miles south of the Virginia border
252-771-8333
After Union forces captured Roanoke Island in February 1862, the Northerners turned their attention inland. Among their targets was the Dismal Swamp Canal, which was an important supply artery to Confederates in the area and a potential "back door" to Norfolk. Union infantry unsuccessfully attacked Confederate forts protecting the canal near South Mills April 19, 1862. Ask for a nice brochure on the battle and the Civil War history of the canal at the visitor center. It's open daily Memorial Day-October. Other months, it is closed Sunday-Monday.

Battle of South Mills, Trails sign on Canal Drive, 1 block south of Main Street – Battle maps and other illustrations describe the April 19, 1862, battle here. Confederates successfully defended key areas of the Dismal Swamp Canal against Union attackers.

Currituck

Currituck County Courthouse, Trails sign located on courthouse grounds in Currituck on Business Route 168 – This was a Confederate recruiting station very early in the war but the area was soon occupied by Union troops and used as a staging area for raids inland.

Elizabeth City

Museum of the Albemarle
501 S Water St, Elizabeth City NC 27909
252-335-1453
 Road map 
New main gallery with Civil War exhibits now open at this waterfront museum covering north coastal North Carolina. Open Tuesday–Saturday 9 am–5 pm, Sunday 2–5 pm. Free.

Battle of Elizabeth City, Trails sign in Waterfront Park near the Museum of the Albemarle – Soon after the Federal capture of Roanoke Island, Union naval forces headed up the Pasquotank River toward Elizabeth City. Standing in their way was the ragged Confederate "Mosquito Fleet," composed of tugs and other small watercraft converted to military use. The US Navy destroyed the small fleet in a Feb. 10, 1862, battle just downriver from Elizabeth City and then occupied the town.

Hertford

"A Rare Monument" ("In Memory of the Colored Union Soldiers"), Trails sign at the First Baptist Church corner of Kind and Hyde Park – Monument to those who served in the United States Colored Troops erected about 1912 on Academy Green, the site of the county's first black school, library and church.

Winton

The Burning of Winton, Trails sign located at the entrance to Winton Historic Cemetery at the intersection of King and River streets - Situated near two important railroad bridges, Winton became a target after the Union capture of Roanoke Island in 1862. A small contingent of the Union navy steamed up the Chowan River and met resistance here. The town was burned because of the "ambush tactics" of the Confederate defenders.

Murfreesboro

Naval Target, Trails sign located Murfreesboro at the Roberts-Vaugh House, at the intersection of Main and Wynn streets - This prosperous port and commercial center held the attention of both sides during the war, with numerous raids executed in the area.

Chowan County

Wingfield Plantation (War on the Chowan), Trails sign in county park on the Chowan River on Cannoon's Ferry Road, a mile west of Route 32 – The river became the border between Union-occupied territory to the west and Confederate-held to the east. Union forces seized the area near here in 1862 and built a fort on the river just south. An unsavory collection of Union troops and deserters (The Buffaloes) raided and plundered the area until they left in April 1863.

Edenton

Visitor Center
108 Broad St, Edenton NC 27932
252-482-2637
 road map 
The visitor center offers "on-demand" walking tours of the historic district, which includes the town's Civil War history. Cost is $7 adults, $3.50 children ($15 max per family). The tour includes a visit to "St. Paul," one of four cannon cast from bells donated by Edenton churches. The Edenton Bell Battery served throughout the war. The gun with a sign explaining its history is located in front of the Barker House at the foot of Broad Street. The visitor center is open April–October Monday–Saturday 9 am–5 pm and Sunday 1–5 pm. From November through March, it closes an hour earlier and on Monday.

Edenton during the War, Trails sign on the waterfront near end of Main Street Interpretive sign here tells the story of the May 1864 battle between the ironclad CSS Albemarle and escorts and Union navy vessels waiting in the Albemarle Sound. The Confederates managed to damage several Union ships, then escaped back to its base in Plymouth. The town, like many in the area, contributed troops to both sides.

Creswell

Somerset Place State Historic Site
2572 Lake Shore Road, Creswell NC 27928
252-797-4560
 road map 
Once one of the most prosperous plantations in the state, Somerset Place extended to more than 100,000 acres and maintained 300 slaves during its 1785–1865 lifespan. The house has been preserved, offering information about both planter and slave cultures before the war. Open April-October Monday–Saturday 9 am–5 pm, Sunday 1–5 pm. November-March the hours are Tuesday–Saturday 10 am–4 pm, Sunday 1–4 pm. Free. Call to confirm hours.

Pettigrew Birthplace, Trails sign located east of Somerset near the Pettigrew grave site in Pettigrew State Park, 7 miles south of Creswell – Confederate Gen. James Johnson Pettigrew was born and is buried here on one of his family’s plantations. He was wounded while leading his division during Pickett’s/Pettigrew’s Charge at Gettysburg and again, mortally, during the Confederate retreat from that battlefield a few days later.

Plymouth

Port O' Plymouth Museum
302 Water St, Plymouth NC 27962
252-793-1377
 road map 
   Wonderful small museum tells the story of Plymouth during the Civil War including the Union occupation and the battle in April 1864. Special attention is paid to the famous Confederate ironclad CSS Albemarle, its successful exploits against the Union fleet and its sinking Oct. 27, 1864. Scale model of the Albemarle is anchored nearby. Summer hours: Monday–Saturday 9 am–4 pm, Sunday 1–4 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday during the winter. Small fee charged.
   Civil War Trails interpretive signs on the museum grounds or on the waterfront:
    Battle of Plymouth – Describes the last major Confederate victory in North Carolina. Combined water-ground assault April 17-20, 1864, resulted in the Confederates recapturing the town, 2,500 prisoners and 25 cannon.
    CSS Albemarle – Tells the story of the famous ironclad built in 1863. The Albemarle saw action in the battle of Plymouth and on the Sound in 1864. It was finally sunk Oct. 27, 1864, when the Federals reoccupied its base here.
    Cushing's Torpedo - Daring attack by a Union launch commanded by 21-year-old Lt. William B. Cushing, sank the CSS Albemarle here Oct. 27, 1862. The weapon: a cask of gunpowder at the end of a wooden spar impaled the ironclad and exploded.

Ausbon House, Trails sign at Third and Washington streets, Plymouth – Bullet holes attest to this home's use as a Southern sniper's nest during a Confederate attempt to take the town Dec. 10, 1862. The Southerners eventually withdrew. The sniper was shot dead here.

Washington and area

USS Pickett (Battle of Washington), Trails sign at the waterfront on Stewart Parkway, one block east of Route 17 – On Sept. 6, 1862, Confederates under Maj. Stephen Poole attacked a Union garrison here backed by gunboats including the USS Pickett (which exploded during the battle). Union reinforcements overcame initial Confederate success and drove the attackers away, maintaining Union control of the town.

Siege of Washington, Trails sign at the EC Estuarium on Stewart Parkway, three blocks east of Route 17 – Hoping to reestablish Confederate supremacy somewhere in Eastern North Carolina, Gen. D.H. Hill staged actions against New Bern and Washington in March 1863. Unable to accomplish much at New Bern, Hill turned to Washington, besieging the town March 30–April 20. Hill held off Union gunboats downriver and infantry attacks against his fortified position five miles from town. Hill was called away by Lee and the siege was soon lifted by Union reinforcements.

Tranter’s Creek Action, Trails sign located 5 miles west of Washington on Route 264 in front of the Paint Productions facility – Months after the capture of Washington by Union forces March 20, 1862, Confederate Col. George Singletary with a small force moved to this area, threatening the Union garrison there. Learning of the threat, Union Gen. Edward Potter sent a force to clear out Singletary. After a sharp battle June 5, the Confederates withdrew farther west.

Hamilton Area

Fort Branch
South of Hamilton and 2 miles east of Route 903
(watch for historical marker at turn)
Call 800-776-8566 or 252-792-6605 about visiting.
   Confederates began fortifying this bluff 70 feet above a bend in the Roanoke River to help deter Union advances against the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad and protect the construction site of the ironclad CSS Albemarle. Work on the fort, begun February 1862, was completed a year later. A December 1864 Union attack failed to capture the fort. Well preserved earthworks in this extensive fortification remain. Original cannon remain at the site. Civil War Trails sign on site.

Tarboro and area

See also the Potter's Raid Tour

Civil War Cemeteries
Trails sign located between Calvary Episcopal Church and Howard Memorial Church at the intersection of St. James and St. David streets
Confederate Gen. Dorsey Pender, mortally wounded on the second day at Gettysburg, is buried in the Calvary Episcopal Churchyard. He is joined by dozens of other Confederates in both cemeteries including those who died in area hospitals.

Princeville African American Museum
Trails sign located in Princeville at 310 Mutual Blvd (Route 258), 1 block north of the intersection of Route 258 and State Highway 33
Sign here tells the story of local African Americans who joined units of the United States Colored Troops and the settlement created by former slaves here.

New Bern

Impressive collection of antebellum buildings here remains intact, possibly because Union forces occupied the strategic city early (March 1862) and used it as a North Carolina base and headquarters during the rest of the war. Union officers took up residence in many of the city's finest buildings. Town tour includes Civil War sign on the Neuse River waterfront promenade.

New Bern Visitor Center
203 S Front St, New Bern NC
800-437-5767
Civil War info and a downtown walking tour are available here.

Attmore-Oliver House
510 Pollock St, New Bern NC 28562
252-638-8558
 road map 
Learn more about New Bern's Civil War role in this 1790/1834 home. Civil War display includes several significant artifacts. Fee charged. Open early April to early December Tuesday-Saturday 1–4:30 pm. Trails sign on site.

New Bern Academy Museum
511 New St, New Bern NC
252-514-4874
This early 19th-century building, which served as a military hospital during the Civil War, now houses exhibits focusing on the history of New Bern, including much on the Civil War. Topics covered include the Confederate defense of the town in 1862, the Union occupation and battles, and the structure's role as hospital. Open 1–4:30 pm Monday-Saturday. Trails sign on site.

John Wright Stanley House, Trails sign in front of the building in the 300 block of George Street – Birthplace of two men who chose different sides during the war, Edward Stanley, Unionist military governor of North Carolina and Confederate Gen. Lewis Armistead, who was mortally wounded at Gettysburg. The home also was the headquarters of Gen. Ambrose Burnside after the 1862 Battle of New Bern.

Jones House, Trails sign in front of the home at Pollack and Eden streets – This 1809 building was used to house Confederate prisoners after New Bern fell to Union forces in 1862. Confederate spy Emeline Pigott may have been imprisoned here.

Battle of New Bern (Burnside Expedition)
After capturing Roanoke Island, Union Gen. Ambrose Burnside advanced toward New Bern. On March 13, 1862, Union infantry and naval forces approached the city but ran into opposition the next day from Confederates commanded by Gen. Lawrence O'B Branch. After heavy fighting, the Confederate lines were overwhelmed and Union soldiers entered New Bern. The city became the focal point for nearly all Federal activity in North Carolina during the war. Civil War signs explain the action:
    Battle of New Bern (Smoke and Flames), Trails sign in Union Point Park on the waterfront – Retreating Confederates set fire to warehouses full of military supplies and the Trent River bridge as Northern forces closed in by land and water March 14, 1862. After a brief period of bombardment and lawlessness, New Bern was occupied and became a Federal stronghold in eastern North Carolina.
    Battle of New Bern (Thousands of Federal Soldiers), Trails sign at the intersection of Route 70 and Taberna Way, 4 miles east of New Bern – Union soldiers approached this strong Confederate position March 13. A Union attack the next day exploited a weak spot, flanking and carrying the position. Note: A new park is under development to preserve and interpret nearly 25 acres of this pristine battlefield. Public access is limited until the park opens. For more information or to arrange special tours, call the New Bern Historical Society, 252-638-8558, or visit www.newbernhistorical.org/battlefield.html.

Kinston and Area

For more info about the Kinston area, call 800-869-0032.

CSS Neuse State Historic Site
2612 W Vernon Ave, Kinston NC 28502
(Highway 70 Business)
252-522-2091
 road map 
The CSS Neuse, named after the river on which it was based, was constructed 1863 amid Confederate hopes the ironclad could help regain control over the rivers and sounds of eastern North Carolina. In April 1864, the Neuse, not yet fully equipped, left Kinston to help with a planned attack against New Bern. Before it reached its target, the Neuse ran aground and eventually returned to its base. On March 12, 1865, she was burned by her crew to prevent capture. The wreck remained in the river until 1963 when it was raised, then located in its present site. The remains of the Neuse (much of its wooden lower structure and some of its iron plating) are displayed here. Open Monday–Saturday 9 am–5 pm. Free. Operating days and hours change from time to time. Call first. Civil War Trails sign on site.

Cat Hole of the Neuse
Trails sign in Neuse Way Park
Heritage Street between King and Caswell streets
Work on the Confederate ironclad CSS Neuse was completed here, taking advantage of the high banks to lower machinery into the vessel. The Neuse steamed out from here April 22, 1864, but soon became stuck on a sandbar and returned. The Neuse fired shots at advancing Union troops March 12, 1865, before being scuttled by its crew.

Battle of Wyse Fork
Battle here March 7–10, 1865, was an attempt by Confederates to delay or halt a Federal advance on Goldsboro. The Union move was ordered by Gen. William T. Sherman in order to consolidate Northern forces and open a supply line to the coast. Able to slow the advance a little, the Confederates withdrew and Union troops continued west. This was the second largest battle fought in North Carolina with nearly 25,000 troops involved.
   Three waysides with interpretive materials along Route 70 east of Kinston describe the battle:
   Wyse Fork (Hoke's Attacks), Trails marker at intersection of Wyse Fork Road and Route 70, 5 miles east of Kinston – Marker describes the March 8 and 10 Confederate attacks against the Union advance toward Kinston.
   Wayside with large historical marker/map at the northeast intersection of Route 70 and British Road.
   Wyse Fork (Last Mass Capture of Union Troops), Trails marker at in the Woodman of the World building, 3 miles east of Kinston – Confederate attacks here March 8 seized about 1,000 Union prisoners and forced a Federal retreat back toward New Bern. The tide turned later, with Union troops occupying Kinston.

See also
Carolinas Campaign
Foster's Raid Tour

Kenansville

Confederate Arms Factory, Trails signs at the intersection of Routes 11 and 903 – Weapons and other supplies for the Confederate armies were produced here beginning in March 1863 and continuing, with a few interruptions, through June 1864. Among the items manufactured here were swords, bayonets, Bowie knives, buttons, surgical instruments and knapsacks. This site is an example of the huge amount of material produced in North Carolina that kept the Confederate armies in the field throughout the war.

Williamston

Asa Biggs House, Trails sign at Southwick and Church streets – Home of prominent politician and jurist Asa Biggs from 1835 to 1862. Biggs served in the U.S. Senate 1854–1858, becoming a Federal, then Confederate district judge.

Links to North Carolina websites: North Carolina Links