Fort. Johnston-Southport Visitor's Center and Museum

Fort Johnston was established as a British fort in 1745, as the first commissioned fort in North Carolina. Some of the old fort tapia walls, made of burnt oyster shells, sand, lime, and water, are visible at low tide. Fort Johnston was the smallest working United States military installation until 2005. The Garrison House was built for officers in 1810. In 1955, the Garrison became the private residence for the commanding officer at Military Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point and served that purpose until Southport received the property from the Army in 2006. The Garrison now houses the city's Museum and Visitor's Center. Historical markers are located in the south lawn.