Fort Branch is located two miles below Hamilton, North Carolina and 60 miles upriver of the town of Plymouth. Sitting 70 feet above a bend in the Roanoke River, this Confederate earthen fort provided a safe and clear view of Union gunboats approaching from down river.
Fort Branch's eleven cannons offered significant protection for the railway bridge over the river at Weldon, a weak link in the "Lifeline of the Confederacy" between Wilmington, NC, and Richmond, VA. The fort also protected the nearby construction site of the ironclad ram C.S.S. Albemarle, which later helped regain control of the lower Roanoke River and Albemarle Sound by sinking wooden Union ships.
The Fort Branch Historical Society works to preserve and restore the fort and its history. Browse this website to learn more about ongoing preservation projects and how you can be involved. We invite any interested parties to attend our upcoming meetings and events.
Visit Fort Branch and see eight of the original eleven cannons, making Fort Branch the only earthwork fortification in the South with its original artillery in place. You can also see a restored late 1800s steam engine from The Ranger, and local Native American pottery and artifacts from Hoggtown, a nearby eighteenth century river community. Other attractions include rebuilt gun emplacements and an 1850s farmhouse, which is currently being restored.
Today, the site is the winter headquarters for the First North Carolina Volunteers, a Civil War re-enactment group. A battle re-enactment is held annually at the fort on the first weekend in November and includes a unique Living History Program. The annual events schedule often includes a Civil War Christmas celebration, as well.
The Historical Society will meet to discuss the upcoming event and current and future preservation projects. Open to all interested parties....
The Battlefield Re-enactment is still planned to take place until further notice. Check back often for the latest information
On the first Saturday in December at 7 pm, the Fort holds a candlelight tour of recreated Christmas scenes. Visitors enjoy refreshments, sha...
Fort Branch Historical Society
Located at 2883 Fort Branch Road Oak City, NC - Mailing address PO Box 355, Hamilton, North Carolina 27840
Copyright © 2024 Fort Branch Civil War Site - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.