In a time before Twitter and Facebook, men once defended their honor by fighting in duels rather than dragging each other's names in poorly composed posts on social media.

Duels weren't necessarily about killing one's opponent. They were about standing your ground and showing your name and reputation were worth dying for because, for many men, they were.

In this week's episode of Cape Fear Unearthed, we explore three important duels in the region's history. One was first to ever take place in the north colony of Carolina, while another is said to be the last fatal duel every fought in the South.

Joining the conversation are local historian Chris E. Fonvielle Jr. and Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson Historic Site manager Jim McKee.

Cape Fear Unearthed is written, edited and hosted by Hunter Ingram. Additional editing by Adam Fish.

Season three is sponsored by Northchase Family Dentistry and Tidewater Heating & Air Conditioning.

Sources:

-- Stories Old and New of the Cape Fear Region, by Louis T. Moore

-- Chronicles of the Cape Fear River: 1660-1916, by James Sprunt

-- Duel!, by Ross Drake, Smithsonian Magazine, March 2004

-- Wilmington Daily Journal and Wilmington Daily Herald editions, May 1856