Civil War Battle Summary: Albemarle Sound, NC
On May 5, CSS Albemarle fought seven blockading Union ships to a draw at the mouth of the Roanoke River. Federals recaptured the converted steamer Bombshell. USS Sassacus was badly damaged. more....
Ausbon House
Plymouth
Civil War: 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. visitplymouthnc.com
Battle of Elizabeth City
Elizabeth City
Civil War: 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. Elizabeth City in the Civil War
Battle of Plymouth
Plymouth
Civil War: 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. The ironclad CSS 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. A 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 was a cask of gunpowder at the end of a wooden spar impaled the ironclad and exploded. nps.gov
Asa Biggs House
Williamston, Martin County
Civil War: 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. Built circa 1831, the historic Asa Biggs House was once home to 19th Century attorney, judge and later US Senator Asa Biggs. Over two-thirds of the renovations present on the house today were made during Biggs' residency. Owned by the Martin County Historical Society, the house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Martin County Travel & Tourism Authority & Visitor's Center and the Williamston Partnership for Revitalization occupy the home. Historic Asa Biggs House
Camden County Heritage Museum
Camden County
Housed in the former Camden County jail circa 1910. The second story cells have been fully restored and are open to the public. The museum is a well preserved reminder of local methods of incarceration at the turn of the century and also documents the history of Camden County with changing exhibits. The Camden County Jail Museum preserves the restored 1910 Camden County jail and exhibits artifacts, photographs, and manuscripts documenting Camden County's unique history and cultural heritage. Exhibits cover a variety of diverse topics including the logging industry in the area, the creation of the Dismal Swamp Canal, local prominent citizens of the past, family history, the Civil War, slavery, and women's history. The history of the jail building and law enforcement are also creatively interpreted. Camden County jail.htm
Confederate War Memorial
Currituck County
A large pink granite ball mounted on a base with a plaque that reads ''To Our Confederate Dead 1861-1865''. The Union troops camped on the Courthouse lawn during part of the Civil War and Colonel Henry M. Shaw was in charge of the Eighth Regiment of North Carolina Troops. He lived in Indiantown in Currituck. The settlement is now called Shawboro and he is buried there. He was one of the signers of the Paper of Secession Currituck County Tourism
CSS Albemarle
Plymouth
A 3/8-scale, 63-foot replica of this ironclad is moored behind Port O' Plymouth Museum. Upon request for groups, the CSS Albemarle will cruise up the Roanoke, fire its guns and return to its mooring. visitwashingtoncountync.com livinghistoryweekend.com
Dismal Swamp Canal Visitor Center
Camden County
The Dismal Swamp Canal Visitor Center is the first visitor center built off an interstate in North Carolina and the only such facility in the country greeting visitors by both a major highway and historic waterway. The Dismal Swamp Canal, the oldest man-made waterway in the United States still in use today, began construction in 1784 and was completed in 1805. Improvements have been made continually over the years. The canal is part of the Atlantic Inter-coastal Waterway, uses a system of locks to assist navigation, is on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been designated a National Civil Engineering Landmark. The Dismal Swamp Canal Visitor Center provides educational material and programs celebrating the canal's history and significance as well as serving as a state Welcome Center and regional tourism information hub. Welcome Center provides assistance and information to both highway and waterway travelers on historic sites, attractions, special events and travel conditions. Staff assists with lodging and ferry reservations for visitors. Come see us by highway or waterway! Civil War: 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. The Confederates successfully defended key areas of the Dismal Swamp Canal against Union attackers. Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
Historic Edenton Trolley Tour
Edenton
Discover the rich history and architectural diversity of Edenton during a comprehensive 45-minute trolley tour thru the historic district. An experienced interpreter introduces you to the people and events that shaped the town - the prominent citizens of Edenton's Golden Age (1750-1800), the African American, builders, educators, and entrepreneurs of the post Civil War period, and the industrial rebirth of the town (1880s-1920s) - while you travel past the beautiful and varied architecture of the historic homes and buildings. Edenton tours
Edenton Bell Battery
Edenton
Civil War: ''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. historicnenc.com
Fort Branch Confederate Earthen Fort
Hamilton, Martin County
Fort Branch Confederate Earthen Fort is a privately owned historic site open to the public April through the first weekend in November. The Fort Branch Battlefield Commission works to preserve and restore the fort and to interpret its heritage and historical significance. The First North Carolina Volunteers, a Civil War re-enactment group, uses Fort Branch for winter headquarters and battle drills, and the site is used for Civil War re-enactments and educational and curriculum-based programming in the community. Civil War: 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. Well-preserved star-shaped Confederate earthen fort on Rainbow Banks overlooking the Roanoke River. Annual battle re-enactment the first weekend in November. Seven of the original cannons on display. fortbranchcivilwarsite.com
Ironclad CSS Albemarle
Edenton, Plymouth
Civil War: 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. livinghistoryweekend.com
The Legend of Betsy Dowdy
"Bessie, pretty Bess, my black, sleek, beauty, the British thieves shan't have you. We are going after General William Skinner and his milish!! They'll beat me off of you." She almost sang to the docile pony as they went on their journey. Through the divide, on through Camden, the twinkling stars her only light, over Lamb's ferry, into Pasquotank, by the "narrows" (now Elizabeth City), to Hartsford's ford, up the Highlands of Perquimans, on to Yoepim Creek, and General William Skinner's hospitable home was reached. http://www.fmoran.com/dowdy.html
Museum of the Albemarle
Elizabeth City
Permanent and temporary galleries feature the story of the people who have dwelled in the Albemarle region - from the Native Americans, to the first English-speaking colonists, to adventurers, farmers and fishermen. Regional museum branch of the North Carolina Museum of History. Free. ## The Museum of the Albemarle, a regional branch of the North Carolina Museum of History, promotes the understanding of history and material culture of the Albemarle region and for the state for the educational benefit of all people. Through regional collections, historical interpretation and professional assistance, the museum encourages citizens and visitors to explore and understand the past; to reflect on their own lives and their place in history; and to preserve regional history for future generations. The museum collects items with connection to Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties. ## Civil War: Civil War exhibit describes area events including the Battle of South Mills. Includes artifacts from the battlefield. museumofthealbemarle.com
Perquimans Village
Hertford
Perquimans Village is a collection of historic, pre-Civil War local structures. Four of the buildings are used for a Bed and breakfast. More Info
Port-O-Plymouth Museum
Plymouth
History museum featuring Civil War Battle of Plymouth, April 17-20, 1864. NC's second largest battle and last major southern victory of the war. Bullet shell and artifact collections. Considered one of the top 10 Civil War tour sites in the Carolinas. Artifacts on CSS Ram Albemarle (ironclad) sunk at Plymouth in October 1864. Displays and information on Union Occupation from 1862 -1864. ## Civil War: 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. ## The Port-O-Plymouth Museum has a growing collection of Civil War artifacts as well as other items related to the history of Washington County in other eras. This institution has an active research component and has compiled several databases of information on Washington County's Civil War servicemen both Union and Confederate as well as on other topics. livinghistoryweekend.com/port_o.htm
Historic Plymouth
Plymouth
Historic Plymouth, on the south bank of the Roanoke River in northeastern North Carolina, played an important role as a major port in bygone years. The town was laid out in 1787 and designated as a Port of Entry. It had its own Customs House and a collector. Shipments of cypress shingles, lumber and other wood products and agricultural produce to the northern ports of Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Boston as well as the West Indies made it prosper until the outbreak of the Civil War. That same prominence as a shipping center made it in great demand during the Civil War, sought by both Union and Confederate forces. The sinking of the confederate ironclad the C. S. S. RAM Albemarle on October 27, 1864 preceded today's reenactments of the many nearby battles of the war. On April 14, 1898 a raging fire destroyed most of the commercial district, but you'll find today's historic district down shady lanes amongst the dogwoods, azaleas and crepe myrtles. Begin your visit at the Port O'Plymouth Museum on Water Street. Walking tours and a waterfront boardwalk are available. Historic Plymouth is on the Historic Albemarle Tour. visitplymouthnc.com
Somerset Place State Historic Site
Creswell
Somerset Place is a representative antebellum plantation dating from 1785. Beginning in 1829, this was home to two generations of the Collins family-Josiah Collins III, his wife Mary, and their six sons. It was also home to more than three hundred enslaved men, women, and children of African decent whose lives and work are interpreted here as well. Somerset Place offers an insightful view of plantation life during the antebellum period. ## Somerset Place is an antebellum plantation offering an insightful view of life before the Civil War. It is one of North Carolina's most significant African American (African-American) heritage sites. During its existence (1785-1865) it encompassed 100,000 acres and became one of North Carolina's most prosperous rice, corn and wheat plantations and home to more than three hundred slaves and the Collins Family, the wealthy planters. Eighty of the slaves were brought to Somerset directly from thier West African homeland in 1786 due to their firsthand knowledge of rice cultivation Guided tours are available of the site including the Collins mansion and a reconstructed slave cabin. ## Civil War: Once one of the most prosperous plantations in the state, Somerset Place extended to more than 100,00 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. NCDCR
U.S. Coast Guard Complex
Elizabeth City
Tours of the nation's largest Coast Guard base's Aircraft Repair & Supply Center each Wednesday or by appointment. Elizabeth City USCG
War on the Chowan
Edenton
Civil War: The Chowan 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. historicnenc.com
Historic Winton
Winton
Inhabited by Meherrin Indians long before it was chartered as Hertford County's oldest town, Winton is situated on the banks of the Chowan River. Winton was the one of the first towns in the Confederacy sacked by Union troops during the Civil War. It was burnt to the ground in February, 1862. Winton enjoyed a revival in the latter part of the 19th century. Historic and cultural attractions include the Century Post Office Museum, the Old Church Cemetery, C.S. Brown Regional Cultural Arts Center and Museum and the Colonial Kitchen Museum. wintonnc.com
