National Register of Historic Places listings in Brunswick County, North Carolina facts for kids

A map showing Brunswick County in North Carolina.

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is home to many important places that tell stories about the past. These special spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a national list of buildings, areas, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical value and efforts are made to protect it.

This article will introduce you to some of these amazing historic places in Brunswick County. You'll learn about old lighthouses, historic towns, and other cool sites that have played a part in North Carolina's story.

Historic Places in Brunswick County

Bald Head Creek Boathouse

The Bald Head Creek Boathouse is located on Smith's Island, right at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. This boathouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. It's a reminder of how people used to travel and live by the water in this area.

Bald Head Island Lighthouse (Old Baldy)

Old Baldy Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina.

Known as "Old Baldy," the Bald Head Island Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina! It stands tall on Smith's Island, south of Southport. This historic lighthouse was built to guide ships safely along the coast. It was added to the National Register in 1975 and is a famous landmark that many people visit.

Brunswick County Courthouse

The Brunswick County Courthouse is an important building located in Southport, at Davis and Moore Streets. This courthouse has been a center for justice and local government in Brunswick County for many years. It was recognized for its historical importance and added to the National Register in 1979.

Brunswick Town Historic District

The ruins of St. Philip's Church in Brunswick Town.

North of Southport, you can find the Brunswick Town Historic District. This area was once a bustling colonial town that played a big role in North Carolina's early history. It was a port town and a center for trade. Today, you can explore the ruins and learn about life in the 1700s. This historic district was added to the National Register in 1978.

Cape Fear Civil War Shipwreck District

This unique historic district is located near Holden Beach. It's a special area because it contains shipwrecks from the American Civil War. These shipwrecks are underwater historical sites that tell us about naval battles and blockades during that time. Because of their sensitive nature, the exact location is restricted. This district was added to the National Register in 1985.

Cape Fear Lighthouse Complex

South of Kure Beach, you'll find the Cape Fear Lighthouse Complex. This site includes the remains of another important lighthouse that helped guide ships. It was added to the National Register in 1978. Lighthouses like this were vital for safe travel and trade along the coast.

Fort Caswell Historic District

The entrance to Fort Caswell.

The Fort Caswell Historic District is located in Caswell Beach. This historic fort was built to protect the coast, especially during the Civil War. It has a long history of military use and is now part of the North Carolina Baptist Assembly. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

Fort Johnston

Fort Johnston is another important military site, located on Moore Street in Southport. This fort has a long history, dating back to colonial times. It played a role in various conflicts and helped protect the region. Fort Johnston was added to the National Register in 1974.

Oak Island Life Saving Station

The historic Oak Island Life Saving Station.

The Oak Island Life Saving Station is located on Caswell Beach Road. Life-saving stations were very important in the past. They were places where brave crews would launch boats to rescue sailors and ships in trouble along the coast. This station was added to the National Register in 2000, recognizing its role in maritime safety.

Oak Island Lighthouse

The modern Oak Island Lighthouse.

Also on Caswell Beach Road, the Oak Island Lighthouse is a more modern lighthouse compared to Old Baldy. It still serves as an active aid to navigation for ships today. This lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

New Hope Presbyterian Church

The New Hope Presbyterian Church is located near Winnabow. This church is a significant historical building that has served its community for many years. It represents the religious and social history of the area. It was added to the National Register in 2011.

Orton Plantation

A view of Orton Plantation.

Orton Plantation is a beautiful and historic property located on the Cape Fear River. It has a long history, dating back to the 1700s. The plantation includes historic buildings and gardens. It was added to the National Register in 1973, with an expanded boundary in 2013 to include more of its historic land.

Southport Historic District

The Southport Historic District covers a large part of the city of Southport, roughly bounded by the Cape Fear River and several streets. This district is special because it contains many historic homes, buildings, and streets that show what the town looked like in earlier times. Walking through it is like taking a step back in history! This district was added to the National Register in 1980.

St. Philip's Church Ruins

The ruins of St. Philip's Church.

Located south of Orton, the St. Philip's Church Ruins are what remains of a very old church. These ruins are part of the historic Brunswick Town site and offer a glimpse into the past. The church was an important part of the colonial community. The ruins were added to the National Register in 1970.

T. B. McClintic (boarding tug)

The T. B. McClintic is a historic boarding tugboat located at Tripp's Marina in Shallotte Point. Tugboats are powerful boats used to push or pull other vessels, like large ships. This particular tugboat is recognized for its historical significance in maritime transportation. It was added to the National Register in 1994.