Fort Macon State Park

History on the Beach

Beginning in 1826, the United States government took eight years to construct solid and steadfast Fort Macon, which was originally built on the eastern tip of Bogue Banks to protect this vulnerable area from coastal attacks. But when the War Between the States erupted on April 12, 1861, it took only two days for local militia to seize the United States fort in the name of the Confederacy.

Today, the pentagon-shaped fortress looks about the same as when it was first built 180 years ago. Before he became leader of the Confederacy, a young Robert E. Lee was once stationed here, and in 1862, Fort Macon was the scene of a significant Civil War Battle. When the fort fell into Union hands, it gave Northern forces control of North Carolina’s entire coastline, a significant victory in the history of the war. This seaside fort also played significant roles in both the Spanish-American War and World War II, and even served, at one point, as a prison. Today, Fort Macon’s 398 acres offer a museum, battle reenactments and guided tours, plus picnic areas, swimming, nature programs, and hiking trails, making this one of the most popular state parks in the nation.

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