Battleship North Carolina program to examine Wilmington’s Civil War shipwreck history

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Battleship North Carolina will host a special program later this month exploring the history and shipwrecks of Civil War blockade runners in the Lower Cape Fear region.

The presentation, titled “In the Shadow of Goliath: Blockade Runners of the Lower Cape Fear,” is scheduled for May 19 at 6 p.m. in the battleship’s wardroom.

The program will feature Stephen Atkinson, who will discuss Wilmington’s role as one of the Confederacy’s most important ports during the Civil War and examine vessels lost during Union blockade operations.

According to organizers, nearly 33 vessels were wrecked in waters near Cape Fear between 1861 and 1865 as blockade runners attempted to transport supplies through the region under threat from Union forces.

The presentation will also highlight ongoing archaeological monitoring efforts by the North Carolina Underwater Archaeology Branch and feature notable wrecks including the Modern Greece, Condor and Hebe.

“This program offers a fascinating look at a lesser-known dimension of Civil War history — one that unfolded just off our coastline,” said Dr. Jay Martin, executive director of the Battleship North Carolina Memorial, in a news release. “These wrecks are more than artifacts beneath the water. They are pieces of North Carolina’s story and reminders of Wilmington’s strategic importance during the war.”

Advance admission is $5 online and $8 at the door. Friends Members can attend for free.

More information is available at event registration page.