History ~ NC Coast Tourism

1. Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington - Antebellum house was used in 1865 as Union military headquarters following the surrender of Wilmington. Guided tours and exhibitions. book hotels nearby in .
2. Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City - The museum features an overview of the Civil War i the Albemarle region. Other exhibits explore slavery and antebellum plantation life
3. Cape Fear Museum in Wilmington - Established in 1898 to house Confederate relics, the museum's exhibits explore the history of Wilmington, blockade running and the Battle of Fort Fisher.
4. Carteret County Museum of History and Art in Morehead City - features an exhibit on the Civil War as well as a research library that contains extensive sources for genealogy and Civil War research.
5. Battle of Chicamacomico Races in Rodanthe - Outdoor display - part of the Dare county Civil War Trail, the monument at the site commemorates the battle later known as the Chicmacomico Races, a futile attempt by the Confederacy to retake Hatteras Island
6. CSS Neuse State Historic Site in Kingston (near New Bern) - Built to recapture Union held New Bern the ironclad  gunboat CSS Neuse was set afire and sunk to avoid capture after the crew shelled advancing Union cavalry outside Kinston. The Neuse is one of only three recovered Civil War ironclads on display.
7. Dismal Swamp Canal Visitor Center in South Mills near Elizabeth City - The Battle of South Mills was fought to capture control of the Dismal Swamp Canal, an important transportation route.
8. Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach - A casemated seacoast fort built for defense of the Beaufort harbor, Fort Macon was seized by Confederates in 1861 and recaptured by Union forces in April 1862 after a land and sea bombardment. Area open to the public include restored rooms and a museum.
9. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo - Fort Raleigh contains several exhibits on the Civil War and the Freedmen's Colony including original newspaper articles and maps from the Atlantic Campaign. A Collection of reproduction civilian / military clothing and weapons is displayed.
10. Fort Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach - Fort Fisher protected blockade runners en route to Wilmington with supplies vital to  the Confederate armies. It was the largest of the earthen fortification in the Confederacy, Fell in January 1865. Regular events include Civil War reenactments, costumed interpreters and guided tours.
11. Fort Anderson State Historic Site  in Brunswick Town in Winnabow near Wilmington - This fort was part of the Cape Fear defenses. After its fall in February 1865, Wilmington and the supply lies to Lee's army came under Union control.
12. First Freedmen's Colony (outdoor display) in Manteo - Outside exhibit shows the African American condition in the 1860s and life in what was America's first Freedmen's colony
13. Josiah Bell House in Beaufort near Atlantic Beach - Tours of historic Beaufort include the Josiah Bell House, home of a Civil War spy, Confederate and Union graves in the Old Burying ground and St Paul's Church. Also at Beaufort is a colonial village that features stocks and pillars, the old jail house, an old loom and spinning wheel, more.
14. Poplar Grove Historic Plantation in Wilmington - Costumed guides lead tours of this antebellum plantation. Period demonstrations and exhibits help visitors learn more about lifestyles of the plantation residents.
15. Port Of Plymouth Civil War Museum in Plymouth -  Informative displays with may artifacts and photographs interpret the Battle of Plymouth, ram Albemarle and the Union occupation of the town.
16. Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum in Ocracoke - The museum presents an exhibit with artifacts from Confederate Fort Ocracoke (now submerged in adjacent inlet) Other exhibits deal with the community's lifestyle, maritime past and unique dialect.
17. New Bern Academy Museum in New Bern -  The New Bern Academy Museum relates the history of New Bern. One gallery focuses on the Civil War in the town and related African American history. Uniforms and other military artifacts are displayed.
18. Wyse Fork Battlefield in Kinston - At Wyse Fork, Confederate troops tried to halt General Schofield's march on Goldsboro. Unable to do more than delay the Union movement the confederates left the area to join the attack at Bentonville.
19. First Provisional Government of the Civil War in Hatteras near Buxton - Part of Dare County Civil War Tail, this site recognizes America's first efforts at reconciliation during the occupation. Granite marker also relates Hatteras Islands response to the capture of Forts Clark and Hatteras by Union Forces.
20. Onslow County Museum in Wilmington - Civil War exhibit focuses on Onslow County's role in the coastal region. Features Civil War uniforms, firearms, rosters, letters and other artifacts and a description of the Battle of New River.

Resource: North Carolina Civil War heritage Trails pamphlet