Markers of History in North Carolina - North Carolina

There are many historical markers that would be of interest to those traveling in the area of North Carolina. Some tell the story of the Civil War while others tell of slavery and the life led by those whose freedom was gained by this war.

Here you will find a list of these markers and a little bit about what they tell and their locations to allow you to take a trip down history lane while traveling around the great state of North Carolina.

At Montford Landing Road in Jacksonville, Onslow County is the marker commemorating the signing of Executive Order 8802 signed on June 24, 1941 by President Franklin Roosevelt which mandated the full participation of "all persons regardless of color, race, creed, or national origin" in all branches of the military. It was on April 26, 1942 that the Marine Corps opened Monford Point Camp which was specifically for the training of black recruits. The facility was renamed Camp Johnson in 1974.

Located on US 17 Business (North Broad Street) in Edenton, Chowan County is the marker for Harriet Jacobs who was born into slavery and lived from 1813 to 1897. She escaped to freedom to become a writer and abolitionist and in 1861 wrote her own story: "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl." This is ranked by many as the second most important book by a slave only to the autobiography of Frederick Douglas.

When you are near the Northeast Cape Fear River bridge in Pender County on highway 117 you will be at the maker telling the story of the Civil War Prisoner Exchange where thousands of Civil War soldiers, including many held in the Confederate prison at Salisbury, were exchanged between Feburary 25 and March 4, 1865.

Bath, North Carolina has the marker of when British Royal Navy Lt. Robert Maynard and his crew killed the famous "Blackbeard" who had been guilty of piracy along the North Carolina coast in the early 18th century. "Blackbeard" was actually Edward Teach. The battle took place in 1718. Those pirates that were not killed were taken to Virginia for trial along with the severed head of Blackbeard. This marker is on Main Street in Bath, Beaufort County. 

This rich history of the USS North Carolina is preserved with the ship being permanently berthed in Wilmington. The ship was commissioned on April 9, 1941 and served in WWII. Today you can visit the ship and learn about its history on State Road 1352 in Wilmington, New Hanover County.

The Fort Anderson marker is located on NC 133 in Belville, Brunswick County. This tells the story of the evacuation of Fort Anderson during he waning days of the Civil War. Fort Fisher fell on January 15, 1865 at which time the soldiers moved to Fort Anderson. Following a combined sea bombardment and land attach by Union forces, Fort Anderson was evacuated in the early morning hours of February 19, 1865 with Wilmington falling to Unions forces three days later.

Take the time, on your North Carolina vacation, to stop at some of the markers you see and read about the happenings in the state. This trip through North Carolina history will make your North Carolina tourism exploration one that you will remember for years to come.