When a blockade runner went up in flames off Wrightsville Beach in February 1864, a legend was born about what may have gone down with the ship. Specifcally, a fabled gold and jewel sword bound for Gen. Robert E. Lee from his supporters in Britain. Was the sword real? Histroian Chris E. Fonvielle Jr. joins to discuss in this episode of "Cape Fear Unearthed," a StarNews Media-produced podcast that digs into the history books of Southeastern North Carolina.

Cape Fear Unearthed is written, edited and hosted by Hunter Ingram.

Additional editing by Adam Fish.

A StarNews Media Production.

Sources:

"The Blockade Runner Fanny and Jenny and her Legendary Gold Sword" by Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., Wirghtsville Beach Magazine, Feb. 2016

"Wrightsville Beach: The Luminous Island" by Ray McAllister

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