Event marks 250th anniversary of the burning of Fort Johnston
SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — A public event in Southport on Saturday marked the 250th anniversary of the burning of Fort Johnston.
The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport hosted the all-day program. The event was part of “America 250 NC,” the state’s official commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The program, titled “In the Glorious Cause of Liberty,” ran from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Activities took place at the museum, the Southport Community Building, and on the Garrison Lawn in downtown Southport.
Visitors attended lectures, watched artillery and musket demonstrations, and participated in hands-on activities. A special luminary event closed out the evening at sunset.
Shannon Walker, education curator at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, said the event gave people different ways to engage with history.
“People have different learning opportunities,” Walker said. “They can attend the symposium. They can come out here and talk to the living historians and learn what impact just a small amount of people can have on history.”
The event included interpreters portraying North Carolina militiamen, British sailors, and civilians who were present during the summer of 1775. The museum coordinated the event with the City of Southport and support from the Friends of the Maritime Museum.
