Fort Macon is located in North Carolina, USA, on Bogue Banks. It lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Bogue Sound and is situated in a coastal area. It is famous for its role in the Civil War and as a well-preserved historic fort today.
Fort Macon Location Map, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
North Carolina Maps and Info
Top Attractions Inside Fort Macon
- Historic Coastal Fort – Restored 19th-century fort showcasing military architecture and coastal defense.
- Exhibit Galleries – Displays on the fort’s history, Civil War events, and artillery.
- Artillery & Cannons – Historic guns and weaponry positioned on the fort’s walls.
- Guided Tours – Informative tours explaining the fort’s construction, battles, and daily life of soldiers.
- Beach Access – Sandy beaches adjacent to the fort for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.
- Visitor Center – Educational resources, maps, and exhibits for a complete historical overview.
- Picnic & Recreational Areas – Outdoor spaces for family activities with scenic views of the Atlantic coastline.
Fort Macon Facts
| Official Name | Fort Macon |
| Location | Carteret County, Atlantic Beach / Bogue Banks, North Carolina, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | ≈ 34.69795° N, 76.67834° W |
| Total Area | ≈ 424 acres (as part of Fort Macon State Park) |
| Built / Constructed | Construction began in 1826, completed in December 1834; improved 1841–1846 |
| Named After | Nathaniel Macon (U.S. Senator & statesman of North Carolina) |
| Managed By | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation (as part of Fort Macon State Park) |
| Region | Outer Banks / Crystal Coast — Eastern end of Bogue Banks guarding Beaufort Inlet & Beaufort Harbor |
| Address | 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, USA |
| Purpose / Concept | 19th‑century coastal masonry fortification (Third‑System fort) built to guard Beaufort Inlet and the deep-water port at Beaufort/Morehead City |
| Structure & Features | Five‑sided brick & stone fort, 26 vaulted casemates (rooms), outer walls 4.5 ft thick; irregular pentagon layout with ditch & drawbridges, seaward gun‑emplacements, high earthwork for additional defense |
| Historical Significance | Guarded one of North Carolina’s only deep‑water ports; used in coastal defense for decades; saw action during the Siege of Fort Macon (American Civil War, 1862) |
| Key Historical Use / Role | Coastal defense fort (1834‑1903), Civil War fortress, federal prison (post‑Civil War until 1877), reactivated briefly during 1898 and again during World War II (Dec 1941–Nov 1944) for US Army / Coast Artillery defense |
| Decommission / Transfer | U.S. Army abandoned the fort in 1903; sold to State of North Carolina in 1924 (for US$1) to become a public park |
| State Park Establishment | Officially opened as Fort Macon State Park on May 1, 1936 (first functioning state park of North Carolina) |
| Current Status | Restored historic fort & state park — open to public; daily guided tours, museum exhibits, cannon & musket demonstrations, beach & nature‑based recreation |
| Visitor Facilities & Activities | Fort tours & history exhibits; beach access (swimming, beach‑combing); hiking (marsh & dune trails), bird‑watching, fishing, picnicking; recreational amenities including bathhouse, visitor center, concessions (seasonal) |
| Nearby Port / Harbor | Beaufort Inlet / Beaufort Harbor — deep‑water port protected by the fort historically |
| Official Website / Info Source | https://www.ncparks.gov/fort-macon-state-park |
Distances from Fort Macon to Nearby Landmarks
- Atlantic Beach Boardwalk – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Fort Macon Marina / Inlet Access – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Morehead City Waterfront – 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Beaufort, North Carolina (town) – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- North Carolina Maritime Museum (Beaufort) – 9 km (5.6 mi)
- Rachel Carson Reserve (sound‑side reserve near Beaufort) – 8 km (5 mi)
- Pine Knoll Shores / NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Bogue Banks barrier‑island span (western stretch) – 21 km (13 mi)
- Emerald Isle, NC (beach town on Bogue Banks) – 32 km (19.9 mi)
- Harkers Island, NC – 24 km (14.9 mi)
- Cape Lookout Visitor Center (gateway to Cape Lookout National Seashore) – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Cape Lookout Lighthouse (by ferry / boat) – 42 km (26 mi)
- Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier – 27 km (16.8 mi)
- Radio Island Beach Access (Beaufort‑area) – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Hammocks Beach State Park (Swansboro, inland from coast) – 45 km (28 mi)
- Croatan National Forest (closest edge inland) – 18 km (11.2 mi)
- New Bern, NC (city, region) – 60 km (37.3 mi)
- Jacksonville, North Carolina – 83 km (51.6 mi)
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