The construction of "The Rocks" and the great fishing it caused as well as the ruins of Fort Fisher became a big tourist draw and people started going there. Captain John W. Harper was already taking passengers to Smithville (now Southport) on his steamer Passport. By 1880, he started making stops at New Inlet Dam (The Rocks). Soon, a Fort Fisher Fishing Club was established and they built a clubhouse.
By 1883, Harper was including Sheephead dinners at Mayo's Place in the 50 cent price of a round trip. By 1884, there were two cottages for rent at the Rocks.
From time to time, there would also be reunions of Fort Fisher's soldiers and on occasion, even the Union ones. Some of these old veterans even started a move to make Fort Fisher a National Park.
How Carolina Beach Greww Out of These Trips. --Cooter
No comments:
Post a Comment