Fort Barnwell, North Carolina facts for kids
Fort Barnwell is a small community in Craven County, North Carolina, United States. It's not a city with its own local government, but rather a settlement within the county. This place is special because it's named after an old fort built way back in 1712. This fort played an important role in a conflict known as the Tuscarora War.
The original Fort Barnwell was only used for a few years, from 1712 to 1715. Today, it's an archaeological site, which means experts study the remains of the old fort to learn about its past. It's also recognized as a National Historic Landmark, showing how important it is to American history.
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The Historic Fort
The fort was built by Colonel John Barnwell, a leader from the South Carolina militia. He led soldiers during the Tuscarora War, a major conflict between early European settlers and the Tuscarora people, a Native American tribe in North Carolina. The fort served as a key base during this war.
Why Was the Fort Built?
The Tuscarora War began in 1711. It was a difficult time for both the Native Americans and the European colonists. Fort Barnwell was built to help protect the settlers and serve as a military outpost. It was a strategic location near the Neuse River, which was an important waterway at the time.
The Fort's Role in the War
Colonel Barnwell and his forces used the fort as a base for their operations. They fought against the Tuscarora people in several battles. The war was very tough, but it eventually ended in 1715. After the war, the fort was no longer needed and was abandoned.
Fort Barnwell Today
The modern community of Fort Barnwell is located about 18 miles east of Kinston and 22 miles west of New Bern. It's situated close to the Neuse River. Highway 55 runs right through the community, making it easy to access.
Community Life
Even though it's a small place, Fort Barnwell has its own identity. It gets its mail through the Dover Post Office. The community also has its own volunteer fire department, which helps keep everyone safe. Like many small towns in the area, Fort Barnwell is slowly growing. It's becoming a "satellite community" for the larger city of New Bern. This means some people who work or shop in New Bern choose to live in the quieter community of Fort Barnwell.
