Fort Johnston

Built, 1748–54; burned by Whigs, 1775; rebuilt by U.S. government, 1794–1809. Only the officers quarters remain.

Marker is on East Bay Street east of South Davis Street.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Fort Johnston

Guardian of the Cape Fear River

Confederate Lifeline. On January 9, 1861, as secession fever swept the South, an armed body of civilians overwhelmed Fort Johnston’s lone occupant, Ordinance Sgt. James Reilly, and demanded the keys. Reilly quickly surrendered them ...