On August 22, four North Carolina Civil War Trail signs were installed in Plymouth’s Historic District. These signs connect Washington County to a three-state trail system that Mitch Bowman, executive director of the Civil War Trails, calls “a giant outdoor museum.” The Civil War Trails program is deemed a success because it gives everyone access to noteworthy Civil War historic sites. Each marker tells a story and is accompanied by artwork.

Plymouth is the site of one of the largest Civil War battles fought in North Carolina. The Washington County markers interpret this story. An official dedication of the markers is being planned for the weekend of The 15th Annual Battle of Plymouth Living History Weekend, April 15 – 17, 2005.

Follow the NC Civil War Trail Blazer signs for a trip through this exciting part our history.

• Battle of Plymouth - Describes the last major Confederate victory in North Carolina. Combined water-ground assault April 17-20, 1864, resulted in the Confederates recapturing the town, 2,500 prisoners and 25 cannons.
• CSS Albemarle - Tells the story of the famous ironclad built in 1863. The Albemarle saw action in the battle of Plymouth and on the Sound in 1864. It was finally sunk Oct. 27, 1864, when the Federals reoccupied its base here.
• Cushing's Torpedo - Daring attack by a Union launch commanded by 21-year-old Lt. William B. Cushing, sank the CSS Albemarle here Oct. 27, 1862. The weapon: a cask of gunpowder at the end of a wooden spar impaled the ironclad and exploded.
• Ausbon House - Bullet holes attest to this home's use as a Southern sniper's nest during a Confederate attempt to take the town Dec. 10, 1862. The Southerners eventually withdrew. The sniper was killed here.
• Pettigrew Birthplace - Trails sign located east of Somerset near the Pettigrew grave site in Pettigrew State Park, 7 miles south of Creswell – Confederate Gen. James Johnson Pettigrew was born and is buried here on one of his family’s plantations. He was wounded while leading his division during Pickett’s/Pettigrew’s Charge at Gettysburg and again, mortally, during the Confederate retreat from that battlefield a few days later.

A sixth sign will be installed on East Main Street at the site of Fort Compher as soon as safe and adequate parking is established at the site.

For more information regarding Plymouth’s role in the Civil War and the 15th Annual Battle of Plymouth Living History Weekend, visit www.livinghistoryweekend.com. The 2005 annual event will take place April 15-17. Mark your calendars today!