Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitor Center

The Fort Johnston-Southport Museum  has exhibits, original documents and historical artifacts about Fort Johnston on display. Fort Johnston was originally built by the British in 1749 to protect the region from Spanish and French attack. After 250 years of federal service as the oldest active-duty fort in the United States, Fort Johnston was conveyed to the City of Southport in 2006. Visitors can expect to be greeted by a docent and given a tour of the museum, or they can take a self-guided tour. Call for more information. The Fort Johnston-Southport Museum and Visitors' Center overlooks the mouth of the Cape Fear River, showcasing the history, heritage, culture and natural beauty of Southport.  Knowledgeable volunteers can provide you with the information you need to make Southport your most enjoyable stop.  Take a self-guided walking tour through historic Southport.  See churches and homes dating back to the 1800s, as well as landmarks like City Hall, the Old Brunswick Jail, Old Smithville Burial Grounds, and the River Pilots Tower.