Historic Tours

The Northeast Cape Fear and the other “black rivers” that converge in Wilmington, NC have a long, rich history. The Native Americans of the vicinity, and the first European explorers successively established encampments, towns and forts as both homesteads and centers of commerce on the banks of the deep and navigable rivers. Colonial settlement continued, and Wilmington quickly became an important port city, born of the Cape Fear River. Both the city and the river share a fascinating heritage that includes such elements as great sailing ships, steamboats, civil war blockade runners, battleships, underground tunnels, cotton traders, rice plantations, and much, much more.

Come with us and imagine yourself as the first European to explore the Cape Fear River in 1524, or the Native Americans who were at home in the Cypress swaps and clean tributaries feeding the rivers when the first explorers and colonists arrived. Understand why the first draw bridge in North America would be built to span the Northeast Cape Fear. Hear the story of the river, see its history in the remnants and artifacts that still lie along its shores, and lose yourself in a fascinating trip through time!