Continuing with yesterday's post.
In 1754, soldiers at Fort Johnston were sent off the fight in the French and Indian War.
In 1759, men went off to fight the Cherokees.
When the Revolutionary War broke out, British Royal Governor Josiah Martin fled from New Bern to Fort Johnston and transferred the government there. A month later, he fled to a British ship and away from the colony. Patriots burned the fort.
After the war, the fort was abandoned and soon became overgrown with vines and bushes. However, president Washington and Congress created the First System of Fortifications and Fort Johnston was one. Money was spent for its rebuilding. In 1795, the first documented 4th of July celebration in the state took place there.
During the War of 1812, the garrison was increased but saw no action.
By 1836, it was mostly evacuated with troops going off to fight the Seminoles in Florida.
In 1838, Fort Johnston's military significance was reduced drastically with the construction of the larger and stronger Fort Xaswell by the Atlantic coast.
During the Mexican War, the fort served as a recruitment and training facility.
I wrote about its role in the Civil War in my August 18th Saw the Elephant Blog.
More to Come. --Cooter
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