History Buff Heaven

There are few places in America that can offer the variety of historical sites that are virtually on The Winds doorstep.

For instance the European history of this area goes back to 1524, only two years after Cortez conquered Mexico! In that year Geovanni da Varrazano made a landing just north of the Cape Fear River.

In 1526 Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon arrived at Cape Fear with around 600 settlers. The exact site of the colony, which only lasted a few months, has yet to be found.

Further settlements were tried and failed. The Cape Fear Indians were hostile and pirates abounded.

By 1720 the Indians had been defeated and most of the notorious pirates had been captured.

Brunswick Town (only an archeological excavation today) was founded by 1726 and the area began to thrive.

From these beginnings the lower Cape Fear Area went on to play a significant part in the events leading up to the American Revolution and the revolution itself.

The history of our area reverberates with raids by Spanish fleets, British invasions and bombardments and assaults by Union fleets. Forts from most of America’s wars abound and one even predates the founding of our nation.

Many famous and infamous names can be associated with this little corner of the world. Lord Cornwallis, Francis Marion “The Swamp Fox”, Stede Bonnet – “The Gentleman Pirate” (who, with his ship, was captured in the mouth of The Cape Fear river) to mention a few.

George Washington even paid us a visit in 1791. He stayed overnight in the Gause Plantation house which stood at Gause Landing, only about three miles from The Winds!

Whether you are an avid history buff or just casually interested in American history The Winds is a perfect base for exploring the many old plantations, forts, houses, museums and the archeological site of Old Brunswick Town.

The Winds has an Area Map and Guide folder which will direct you to the many sites of interest in the area. Click here to download and print one!

We will be happy to send it to you free of charge. All you have to do is ask.