Fort Macon
Posted by: 
ECPirates
N 34° 41.806 W 076° 40.648
18S E 346357 N 3840697
Fort Macon marker.
Waymark Code: WM5BQN
Location: North Carolina, United States
Date Posted: 12/14/2008
Views: 21
Marker Text: "Built by US Corps of Engineers, 1826-34. Good example of brick fort. Seized by Confederates, April 14, 1861. Scene of battle, April 25, 1862."
Fort Macon was built to replace Fort Dobbs, a wooden structure, and Fort Hampton, a fort similar to Macon which washed away. Macon, a pentagon shaped fort, now looks similar to how it did as an active fort. The fort was named for Nathaniel Macon, and was constructed from 1826 - 1834 at a cost of $463,790, its construction used over 9 million bricks.
In 1903 Fort Macon was abandoned and its guns sent away to be scrapped. The guns at the Fort today are modern reproductions of what was at the site.
Originally built as a Civil War Fort. Fort Macon was active during The Spanish American war in 1898 and from 1941-1944 it was occupied by American Coastal Artillery units. It was important during WWII for deterring German U-boats who were in the area to disrupt shipping.
Fort Macon became North Carolina's second state park when the land was sold to the state for $1 in 1924. Currently, guided tours are available of the Fort. Displays are available to tell about the Fort's varied history. Visitors can explore the fort and climb the ramparts for great views of the inlet and nearby Shackleford banks.
The park offers great areas for fishing, picnicking, and wading. Restrooms are available and in the Summer there are shower facilities for a fee.
Marker Name: Fort Macon
Marker Type: Roadside
Related Web Link: [Web Link]
Local North Carolina markers without State Number Designation: Markers Without State Number Designation Options
Required Waymark Photo: yes
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Visit Instructions:Photos of your visit to the marker are required, but PLEASE, no old vacation photos taken just because it was there!
Comments about your visit, interesting nearby areas and any significant information you may have on this waymark are encouraged.
Most of all, enjoy the History that North Carolina has to offer! From the Mountains to the Ocean .. it's all here!