This summer I've used some travel opportunities to do research for the blog on colonial spots that are off the beaten path. One such place is near Cape Fear, North Carolina--Southport, which was a colonial era seaport of some note! Southport is approached from the Atlantic Ocean, which then empties into a river west of Cape Fear, providing some protection from storms. This spot is at the very southern tip of North Carolina coast. Beyond, is North Myrtle Beach, in South Carolina. Although the sign, above, indicates the city was established in 1792, the town has even earlier history. See the image below. For those of you who believe the Sioux tribes were always out West, make note of the far left on the timeline.
From the River Walk in Southport, you can view large ships coming into the very deep channel of the Cape Fear River. Nowadays it is regularly dredged so that shipping companies can go upriver to dock, but when I was there, I could really imagine pirates scooting up that river and could imagine people on the banks shivering in terror!
Below is a cargo ship going upriver! It was shocking that it could be that close to shore!
The beautiful small town has a real hometown feel. Note the patriotic bunting on the lovely homes below.
This was a great place to visit! Watch for an upcoming post on another place to visit in Southport! It has a colonial influence, too! I got several story ideas and research done while in this area and it was well worth the time we spent investigating.
Question: Have you ever visited someplace and then wanted to either read or write a story set there? Where was it?
