Cape Fear Coast · NC
Southport
A river pilots' town at the mouth of the Cape Fear.
- Population
- 3,971 (2020 census)
- Founded
- 1792, as Smithville
- Fourth of July
- 40,000–50,000 visitors
Then
- 1745–1748
The General Assembly authorizes Johnston's Fort in 1745, and building starts in 1748. The town grows up around it.
- 1792
Smithville is founded, named for Benjamin Smith.
- 1887
The town is renamed Southport to promote it as a shipping port.
Now
Southport sits on the Cape Fear about two miles from the ocean, with Bald Head Island, Oak Island and Fort Caswell around the river mouth. A ferry crosses to Fort Fisher.
The North Carolina Fourth of July Festival draws 40,000 to 50,000 people, and the waterfront has starred in films from I Know What You Did Last Summer to Safe Haven.
8 tide stations around Southport
- Southportin town
- Fort Caswell1.7 mi
- Bald Head3.1 mi
- Oak Island, Yaupon Beach3.8 mi
- Zekes Island4.4 mi
- Federal Point5.4 mi
- Sunny Point Army Base, Wharf no.16.0 mi
- Reaves Point6.8 mi