Things to do in Southport, NC
Small Town Series – North Carolina
There are many unique small towns across the United States. Many times we just drive right through them on our way to a bigger city or attraction. In this series, I will highlight small towns from each state. We have found that if you take the time to stop, shop, and eat in these towns, you will be pleasantly surprised! Small towns are usually “hidden gems” among the big, bustling cities.
Southport
The town of Southport is located on the coast of North Carolina, about 32 miles south of the city of Wilmington, North Carolina. This is a charming little town with a population of about 3800, located near the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Southport’s beauty has made it a perfect location for many movies and TV shows; Dawson’s Creek, Under the Dome, Revenge, I know what you did last summer, Nights in Rodanthe, and more! It’s also famous for its Fourth of July festival which attracts between 40,000 and 50,000 visitors annually.
History
During the 18th century, British settlements along the Carolina coast were prone to attacks by pirates and were unable to defend themselves. In 1744, the Governor appointed a committee to look into building a fort to defend this region by the Cape Fear River. In 1748 the fort was finally built and named, “Fort Johnston”. The town developed around Fort Johnston. It was named Smithville, after Benjamin Smith, a colonel in the continental army during the Revolutionary War and later Governor of North Carolina. The town grew as a fishing village and was renamed Southport in 1887 to promote it as a major shipping port.
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