War is hell, and it arrived on Fort Fisher's doorstep in late 1864 after three years of waiting and protecting Wilmington from Union control.

By this point, the fort's importance to the crumbling Confederate Cause was more vital than ever, and it would put up a fight when armies clashed on its shores.

This week on the podcast, we go back to the beginning of the fort to explore its construction (much of which was done by black men and Native Americans), the increasing value of its protection of Wilmington's supply routes, and why it is now one of the region's most recognized and visited landmarks.

Joining the conversation is John Moseley, assistant site manager and education director for the Fort Fisher State Historic Site.

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

The show is sponsored by Northchase Family Dentistry and Tidewater Heating & Air Conditioning.

Sources:

-- "Confederate Goliath: The Battle of Fort Fisher" by Rod Gragg

-- "The Wilmington Campaign: Last Rays of Departing Hope" by Chris E. Fonvielle Jr.

-- "Rebel Gibraltar: Fort Fisher and Wilmington, C.S.A." by James Laurence Walker

-- "Faces of Fort Fisher: 1861-1864" by Chris E. Fonvielle Jr.