The Fort Fisher Restoration Committee, Inc, was established in 1960 by site supporters in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources as the Centennial of the Civil War approached. It was responsiblefor much of the funding for programs at the site directly related to Centennial events. FFRC was incorporated in 1991 and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c) (3) in 1997 and by Board action, became Friends of Fort Fisher in 2009.
The Mission
The Friends of Fort Fisher's mission is to preserve, enhance and interpret the Fort Fisher battleground, promoting an appreciation of Fort Fisher's importance in our nation's history. As the official state sanctioned nonprofit support organization for the historic site, the Friends of Fort Fisher provides financial support to ensure attainment of its stated mission.
"How few realize at what cost our nation's unity has been purchased." Lt. Cmdr. William B. Cushing, USN
A Significant Moment in History
The strategic importance of Fort Fisher and the port of Wilmington was not lost on the Confederacy’s military leader, General Robert E. Lee. He knew that the loss of Fort Fisher and the deepwater port city of Wilmington with its railroad connections would herald the end for his supply starved army in Virginia and doom hopes for an independent Southern nation as well. Indeed, Fort Fisher was the “lifeline of the Confederacy” and precipitated the most extraordinary joint military expeditions in history up to that time to ensure its capture in December 1864 and January 1865.
“As my men would fall, others would take their places. It was a soldier’s fight at that point, for there was no organization, the officers of both forces were loading and firing with their men. If there has ever been a longer or more stubborn hand-to-hand encounter, I have failed to meet with it in history.”
Colonel William Lamb, CSA Commanding, Fort Fisher
Why does Friends of Fort Fisher exist?
Friends of Fort Fisher commemorates and enhances a place where great moments in our national history occurred and important moments in our everyday lives continue to take place. FOFF connects us to our American history. Fort Fisher is a tangible connection to that history that helps us understand our past, appreciate our triumphs and learn from our mistakes.
FOFF exists as the primary partner with the state of North Carolina to help interpret and showcase the strategic importance of Fort Fisher and those who struggled in mortal combat for our nation. FOFF also ensures that quality experiential opportunities are provided to visitors.
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Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher January 14-15, 2012 The weekend marks 147 years since the South made its last stand at Fort Fisher!
