How Smithville Became Southport

Cape Fear Unearthed

Before it was one of North Carolina’s most desired destinations, the setting of Nicholas Sparks’ “Safe Haven” or a quaint fishing village, Southport was supposed to be the first line of defense for the Cape Fear.

The land that would become the Brunswick County getaway was originally designated as Fort Johnston in the 1740s, intended to protect the growing ports of Brunswick Town and Wilmington from Britain’s enemies.But the fort’s mighty vision never came to be.

In this episode, we look at how, from that unrealized dream, a town blossomed around the remains of the fort after the Revolutionary War and grew into a popular respite for Wilmington’s residents.

Over time and through at least three major wars, the community flourished into the town of Smithville, later renamed Southport in 1887 to try and court business and railroad attention flocking to Wilmington – all while remain a linchpin in the region.

Joining the episode is Pat Kirkman, a 24-year member of the Southport Historical Society.

Cape Fear Unearthed is written, edited and hosted by Hunter Ingram. Additional editing by Adam Fish.

The show is sponsored by Northchase Family Dentistry, Tidewater Heating & Air Conditioning, and Cape Fear Pharmacy.

Sources:

- "Jacob's Dream: The Town With Two Names," by Susan Carson

- "Southport (Smithville): A Chronology, Vols. I-IV," by Bill Reaves

- "Chronicles of the Cape Fear River, 1660-1916

- "A History of Fort Johnston on the Lower Cape Fear River," by Wilson Angley