Picture of Southport, North Carolina (sky view) showing the water and the town.
Southport area / Smithville Township
Established in 1792, the town of Southport, North Carolina is the quintessential small Southern town. With 200-year-old oak trees lining the streets, and Victorian mansions throughout the town, Southport is a town with a rich history. The town was originally named Smithville, in honor of Benjamin Smith, who served under George Washington during the Revolutionary War and later became governor. Pirates were rumored to have once lived in the area and their exploits are chronicled in the Southport-based North Carolina Maritime Museum.
Today, Southport is best known for it's idyllic waterfront location, perfect for fishing. Anglers can cast their lines from fishing piers or venture out into the Atlantic from one of the many marinas in town. Nearby Caswell Beach and Oak Island feature fourteen miles of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, shopping and accommodations.
A popular filming location for television and movies, the small town can be seen in the television shows "Dawson's Creek" and "Spies" and the movies "I Know What You Did Last Summer," "Summer Catch," "Crimes of the Heart", and "A Walk to Remember," among others.
Attractions
- North Carolina Maritime Museum
- North Carolina Aquarium
- Fort Fisher Civil War Museum
- Old Brunswick Town / Fort Anderson State Historic Site
- Bald Head Island
Local Schools
Regional Schools
- Town Creek Elementary School
- Cedar Grove Middle School
- Waccamaw School
- Brunswick County Academy
Additional Links
- Chamber of Commerce
- City of Southport Official Website
- North Carolina Guide to Southport
- Where to Eat
- Where to Stay