 On
August 22, four North Carolina Civil War Trail signs were
installed in Plymouth’s Historic District. These signs
connect Washington County to a three-state trail system that
Mitch Bowman, executive director of the Civil War Trails,
calls “a giant outdoor museum.” The Civil War Trails
program is deemed a success because it gives everyone access
to noteworthy Civil War historic sites. Each marker tells a
story and is accompanied by artwork.
Plymouth is
the site of one of the largest Civil War battles fought in
North Carolina. The Washington County markers interpret
this story. An official dedication of the markers is being
planned for the weekend of The 15th Annual Battle
of Plymouth Living History Weekend, April 15 – 17, 2005.
Follow
the NC Civil War Trail Blazer signs for a trip through this
exciting part our history.
-
Battle of Plymouth
- Describes the last major Confederate victory in North
Carolina. Combined water-ground assault April 17-20,
1864, resulted in the Confederates recapturing the town,
2,500 prisoners and 25 cannons.
-
CSS Albemarle
- Tells the story of the famous ironclad built in 1863.
The Albemarle saw action in the battle of
Plymouth and on the Sound in 1864. It was finally sunk
Oct. 27, 1864, when the Federals reoccupied its base
here.
-
Cushing's Torpedo
- Daring attack by a Union launch commanded by
21-year-old Lt. William B. Cushing, sank the CSS
Albemarle here Oct. 27, 1862. The weapon: a cask of
gunpowder at the end of a wooden spar impaled the
ironclad and exploded.
-
Ausbon House -
Bullet holes attest to this home's use as
a Southern sniper's nest during a Confederate attempt to
take the town Dec. 10, 1862. The Southerners eventually
withdrew. The sniper was killed here.
A fifth sign will be installed on East Main
Street at the site of
Fort Compher
as soon as safe and
adequate parking is established at the site.
For more information regarding Plymouth’s
role in the Civil War and the 15th Annual Battle
of Plymouth Living History Weekend, visit
www.livinghistoryweekend.com. The 2005 annual event
will take place April 15-17. Mark your calendars today!
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