Fort Fisher, located on the windswept shores of Kure Beach, North Carolina, stands as a poignant relic of the Civil War, with a reputation as one of the most haunted sites in the state. Once a critical Confederate fort, it witnessed two brutal assaults in late 1864 and January 1865, culminating in a fierce battle that sealed the fate of Wilmington. The bloody legacy of those clashes, combined with the tragic loss of life, has given rise to numerous ghostly encounters, fueling Fort Fisher’s eerie reputation.

The Ghosts of General Whiting and Colonel Lamb

Among the most famous spirits said to haunt Fort Fisher are two Confederate officers, General William Henry Chase Whiting and Colonel William Lamb. Whiting, the fort’s commanding officer, was severely wounded in its final battle and died a prisoner of war shortly thereafter. His ghost, however, appears to have returned to the site of his greatest defeat, perhaps driven by the lingering burden of responsibility for the fort’s fall. Numerous witnesses report seeing Whiting’s spectral figure patrolling the grounds, garbed in his Confederate uniform, reliving the events that led to the fort’s demise.

Colonel Lamb, another key figure in the defense of Fort Fisher, also perished after being captured by Union forces. His ghost is often seen standing atop the fort’s parapets, as if still overseeing the battle. Some believe Lamb’s spirit remains trapped, constantly reexamining the fort’s design, searching for a way to change the course of history.

The Sentinel in the Woods and Mysterious Apparitions

One of the earliest recorded ghost sightings at Fort Fisher occurred in the early 20th century, when a phantom sentinel began appearing in a pine grove just north of the fort. This ghostly soldier, described as standing guard silently amidst the trees, has been seen by both visitors and staff members over the years. Paranormal investigators have frequently recorded unexplained phenomena near this location, including sudden drops in temperature, disembodied footsteps, and strange lights moving through the trees.

Visitors to the beach adjacent to Fort Fisher have reported encounters with an apparition that walks from the ocean towards the fort before vanishing. Some even claim to hear the eerie sounds of battle—gunshots, cannon fire, and the cries of wounded men—echoing over the water on stormy nights.

Haunted Encounters: Paranormal Investigations

Several paranormal groups have investigated Fort Fisher, and their findings only deepen the site’s mystique. Teams have recorded chilling electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) and noted strange malfunctions with their equipment—flashlights dimming, batteries draining inexplicably, and cameras refusing to function. In one notable case, investigators from “Haunted North Carolina” reported hearing gunshots and a scream, though they found no living soul nearby. They also witnessed a drastic temperature drop, plunging from 68°F to 43°F in moments.

Adding to the mystery, wet footprints—seemingly made by both bare feet and boots—have been seen appearing and disappearing along the fort’s sandy walkways, as though an unseen entity is treading an eternal path between the beach and the fort.

The Legacy of Fort Fisher’s Spirits

Today, Fort Fisher is not only a historic site but also a destination for those drawn to the paranormal. The museum staff, well aware of the fort’s ghostly reputation, reportedly say “Good night” to General Whiting at the end of each day. For history buffs and ghost hunters alike, Fort Fisher offers a unique blend of education and eerie experiences. Whether one visits to walk through its reconstructed earthworks or to seek out the spirits said to still linger, the site remains a testament to both the horrors of war and the enduring presence of the past.

References: Haunted Places, Scary HQ, Coastal Guide, Wilmington and Beaches

Main Image:
Marines at the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher commemoration, Kure Beach, NC, January 17, 2015.
Photo by Sgt. Chris Stone, U.S. Marine Corps.
Public Domain.
Source: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1732564/150th-anniversary-battle-fort-fisher-commemoration