The year 2012 marks the 147th Anniversary of the end of the Civil War. As part of North Carolina's observance of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, the Fort Fisher State Historic Site at Kure Beach, North Carolina, will host "The Lights of the Great Armada: The 147th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher" on January 21 and 22.
The event also commemorates the Second Battle of Fort Fisher, the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War.
Saturday’s events begin at 10am until 4pm and continue on Sunday from 11am until 4pm. The event will highlight the war's largest amphibious assault with a Navy and Marine living history program that includes small arms and artillery demonstrations, a period torpedo/steam engine exhibit, as well as special presentations focusing on the Union and Confederate sailors and marines who fought at Fort Fisher in January 1865.
There are a number of guest speakers. Re-enactors in period costume will bring history to life throughout the day with Confederate artillery demonstrations, cannon and small arms firings. The program is free and open to the public. “The Lights of the Great Armada” affords visitors a wonderful opportunity to learn more about local history and Fort Fisher's role in the Civil War. Visitors, residents, and motorists are advised of loud explosions during cannon firings and artillery demonstrations. Contact Fort Fisher State Historic Site for more details: 910-458-5538 or visit www.fortfisher.nchistoricsites.org.
For a free Official Visitors Guide to Wilmington, North Carolina and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach, please call 1-866-266-9690. For a complete event calendar, attraction listings, featured experiences and specials, visit www.gowilmingtonandbeaches.com.
For more information about top events in North Carolina take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in North Carolina.