Fort Fisher

State Historic Site and former Confederate fort at the S tip of New Hanover County. Construction began in April 1861 under direction of Capt. Charles P. Bolles, who was soon transferred. The first section of the fort was named Battery Bolles. Upon completion, the fort—constructed of sand, palmetto logs, and railroad iron—was named for Capt. Charles F. Fisher (1816-61), who had been killed at the Battle of First Manassas while commanding North Carolina troops. Fort Fisher controlled the Cape Fear River and kept the port of Wilmington open. The fort was bombarded from the sea on December 23-25, 1864, and January 12-13, 1865. It fell on January 15. During World War II, the site was used in connection with coastal defense. Restoration and development as a State Historic Site began in 1960.