Fort Fisher State Historic Site

08/29/2026

Nearly eighty years after the Civil War ended, Fort Fisher was once again transformed into an active military installation as the United States prepared for and fought World War II. Like the soldiers who garrisoned Fort Fisher during the Civil War, servicemen stationed here during the 1940s shared their lives with a variety of animal companions.

The 430th Anti-Aircraft Battalion kept a variety of animals at Fort Fisher, demonstrating that military mascots remained a cherished part of service life. Among them was a rooster named "General MacArthur," whose habit of crowing through the night earned plenty of complaints from the men, not unlike Captain Braddy's troublesome chickens that raided the collards in 1863! The battalion also adopted two mascots, Spike, a dog, and Butch, a white duck, whose presence added a touch of humor and familiarity to daily life.

The 430th Battalion was hardly alone. Fort Fisher's wartime newspaper, The Barrage, mentions a surprising assortment of animal residents, including (but not limited to) a black cat, an alligator (albeit for less than a day), and numerous dogs. Among them were Piddle, 21, Lassie, Peggy, Queenie, and Queenie's puppies: Hup, Tup, Trep, and Foah, named after the familiar marching cadence, "hup, two, three, four." The sheer number and variety of these animals suggests that pets and mascots had become an accepted and beloved part of life at Fort Fisher.

Photographs of soldiers proudly posing with their animal companions, along with shelters built specifically for them, reveal the care and affection these animals received. Whether during the Civil War or World War II, Fort Fisher's soldiers found companionship, amusement, and a welcome reminder of home in the animals that shared their lives, continuing a tradition of companionship that had endured at Fort Fisher across generations.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this series on the role of animals during the Civil War here at Fort Fisher and beyond! Stop by for our pop-up event on September 5th from 10am - 2pm to learn more, see photographs of Civil War animals, and maybe even get a photo taken yourself!

08/26/2026

A big thank you to our friends and colleagues at Emerging Civil War for highlighting the work of our summer intern, Arianna, and our upcoming "Furry Friends at Fort Fisher" event next month in their recent blog post!

It's always a joy to see little-known topics like Civil War pets reach more readers, and on National Dog Day no less. We hope you enjoy reading, and we hope to see all you animal lovers here at Fort Fisher for our event on September 5 @ 10am - 2pm!

This month I wanted to highlight some exciting exhibits in my adoptive home state of North Carolina, brought to you by colleagues in the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources. I’m excited to share information about them both since they each highlight aspects of the war that don...

08/22/2026

Throughout this series, we've explored how animals comforted soldiers, strengthened regimental identity, and offered emotional refuge amid the hardships of war. Fort Fisher was no exception. Although the stories from the Fort Fisher garrison are less famous than others, letters written by the men stationed here reveal that all sorts of animals were woven into everyday life at the fort.

In April 1863, Lieutenant Macon Bonner wrote home to his wife, Virginia. He told her about a fellow soldier, "Seb," whose cat had given birth to kittens. Bonner described how the cat was cherished by the men and even slept in Seb's bed, illustrating the same affection soldiers across the country felt toward animal companions. He even wrote about trying to ease the cat’s labor, regretting that he lacked the medicine to help her. Even in a military fortification built for war, soldiers like Bonner still found opportunities to care for vulnerable animals.

Not every interaction with animals was sentimental. In a less-affectionate letter home, Captain William Henry Tripp complained to his wife, Araminta, in December 1863 that Captain Braddy's fowls repeatedly raided the garrison garden, nearly eating all of his collards. This letter offers a humorous glimpse into everyday frustrations that persisted even while the garrison prepared for war.

On January 16, 1865, the day after US forces took Fort Fisher, a paymaster’s clerk named Sidney Stockbridge wrote to his mother from the USS Pawtuxet. After describing the battle and the trophies taken from the fort, he mentioned that Colonel William Lamb's dog had also been taken aboard the vessel. The remainder of the letter spans the next two days, but Stockbridge never mentioned the dog again, leaving his fate unclear. While this story lacks the happy ending of canine companion tales, it nevertheless reflects the significance soldiers attached to animals. Even amid the post-battle commotion, Colonel Lamb's dog was noteworthy enough to be included in a letter home, reminding us that animals remained a significant part of soldiers' lives and memories even in the aftermath of battle.

These small glimpses into life at Fort Fisher remind us that there is more to the fort than its fortifications, artillery, and battles. It was also a community where soldiers cared for pets, complained about the mischief they caused, and found moments of comfort amid the war; it was home to animals as well as the soldiers.

Next week, we'll fast-forward nearly eighty years to discover how animals once again became part of daily life at Fort Fisher during World War II!

08/17/2026

Great visibility for a special part of Fort Fisher's story!

The North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program works closely with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to install and maintain markers. Thank you to the crew at Division 3 for reinstalling the Modern Greece marker in Kure Beach.

08/15/2026

The deep bonds between Civil War soldiers and their animals meant that they shared in one of war's greatest burdens: grief.

Death during war was constant, and soldiers often had little opportunity to mourn fallen comrades. At a time when ideals of masculine stoicism discouraged open displays of grief, mourning an animal offered soldiers a rare opportunity to express emotions that battlefield culture otherwise demanded they conceal.

John Burke of the 15th New York treasured his black-and-tan terrier, Ned, calling him a more faithful companion than many people. When Ned became separated from the regiment during a march in 1862, Burke poured his grief into his journal, writing that Ned "was only a dog," who hadn’t done anything wrong. He hoped that Ned was safe and happy wherever he may have been. Remarkably, Burke devoted more space to processing Ned's disappearance than the deaths of fellow soldiers, illustrating how animals could provide a safe emotional outlet amid unimaginable loss.

Soldiers also honored their animal companions in ways they often could not for one another. Often, they stopped to bury beloved pets with care, even when battlefield conditions made such acts nearly impossible. When Sallie, the cherished brindle terrier of the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry, was mortally wounded at Hatcher's Run in 1865, members of her regiment buried her where she fell while still under heavy Confederate fire. Their devotion is still apparent today; Sallie is one of the few Civil War mascots commemorated on a monument, resting at the base of the 11th Pennsylvania's memorial at Gettysburg National Military Park.

Soldiers were also grieved by their animals. During the Battle of Gaines' Mill in 1862, white fox terrier, Candy, had disappeared, and her owner Isaac Stein of the 4th Texas Infantry was killed in action. Candy was later discovered lying beside her master's body, refusing to leave him. Many illustrations, like the two below, depict similar scenes: a dog howling at, and sometimes refusing to leave the side of their fallen owner.

Stories like Candy's, along with wartime songs and poems depicting grieving animals, reflected a powerful belief that loyalty and love endured even in death.
Next week, we will meet some of the animals that lived around Fort Fisher!

08/09/2026

-Fort Fisher in the Community-

Check out these upcoming presentations around Carolina Beach later this month given by our knowledgeable staff members, all of which are free to attend!

🏆On Monday, August 17 @ 7pm, Ray Flowers will be presenting at the Federal Point History Center. He'll be sharing the story of Colonel William Lamb's unique silver "epergne" centerpiece, and how it reflects the Civil War experience at Fort Fisher.

⚓Swing by the Pleasure Island Library on Wednesday, August 19 @ 2pm, where Becky Sawyer will present research on the tattoos worn by the U.S. Navy sailors who took part in the battles at Fort Fisher, and what they hint about social culture in the service.

🐕Additionally, here is a happy reminder to indicate your interest in our upcoming "Furry Friends at Fort Fisher" pop-up event on Saturday, September 5! https://www.facebook.com/share/1DKFeENQ8R/

08/08/2026

Throughout the Civil War, many dogs became more than just pets or mascots; they were active participants in military life. Often, they served in ways that blurred the line between companion and fellow soldier.

One remarkable example was Dick, a dog at a U.S. hospital who became known for his ability to seek out wounded and sick soldiers most in need of comfort. Long before today's concept of a service dog, Dick's service-dog-like capabilities and intelligence demonstrated his, among others, remarkable therapeutic roles in soldiers' lives.

Other dogs took on more practical duties. One U.S. Newfoundland regularly crossed between U.S. and Confederate lines carrying trade items like coffee, paper, envelopes, and handkerchiefs. When he delivered newspapers to Confederates, they would send him back to U.S. lines with to***co. His safe passage to and from opposing lines highlights how cherished dogs were for many soldiers on both sides.

Confederate artillerymen also shared close bonds with their canine companions. Two mascot dogs, Stonewall Jackson and "Bob" Lee, accompanied Colonel H. C. Cabell's Virginian artillery battalion on campaign and even under fire. During particularly dangerous moments, soldiers protected Stonewall by carrying him or placing him safely inside a limber chest as the battery rapidly changed positions.

Some dogs experienced imprisonment alongside their human comrades. Jack, the beloved bull terrier of Company F, 102nd Pennsylvania Infantry, was captured by Confederate forces multiple times. He was once recovered after the Confederate retreat at Cedar Creek, and was even exchanged for a Confederate prisoner on another occasion! Sadly, Jack disappeared in Maryland shortly before Christmas, 1864 and was never recovered.

These stories remind us that soldiers' dogs in the Civil War, just like in our modern day, were not mere observers. They marched, endured hardship, faced danger, and shared in the triumphs and tragedies of war. In many ways, these animals earned a place in history as soldiers in their own right.

Next week, we will explore how some animals grieved for and were grieved by their soldiers, companies, and regiments.

08/01/2026

By the start of the Civil War, Americans increasingly viewed pets as beloved companions rather than simply working animals. For many Civil War soldiers, animals offered companionship, affection, and welcome escape from the brutality of war. They became reminders of home and everyday life, eased homesickness, boredom, and stress, boosted morale, and fostered unit loyalty.

Amid ruthless violence and mind-numbing daily life on campaign, animals helped soldiers preserve their humanity. They acted as an emotional outlet that helped soldiers endure the physical and psychological strains of war. Caring for pets allowed men to express compassion, tenderness, and empathy that military life discouraged, reinforced their identities, sustained their moral values, and helped them cope with the physical and psychological toll of combat.

Similarly, pets and mascots gave soldiers opportunities to nurture and be nurtured in return. Holding, petting, and caring for animals provided comforting physical contact that eased loneliness and depression, and reinforced emotional bonds. In one example, Sergeant Kensill's terrier, named Little Jim, was reportedly well-loved by his regiment. The 150th Pennsylvania Infantry would carry, pet, and talk to him like he was a child during their marches.

Regimental or Company mascots also became powerful symbols of unit identity and morale. They often embodied qualities soldiers admired and wished to have associated with them, such as courage and devotion. They inspired and fostered a sense of shared pride within their unit, as well as strengthened personal bonds and provided a shared source of comfort for soldiers. These animals helped bridge the distance between battlefield and home. Many soldiers wrote letters about, drew sketches, and sent photographs of beloved pets back home, which reassured families that their loved ones retained their compassion, empathy, and humanity despite the brutal Civil War.

Ultimately, the relationships that soldiers formed with these animals highlights the unique role they played in the Civil War and the meaningful impacts they left on people across the nation.

Next week, we will explore just a few stories of dogs, like Little Jim, who lived amongst their units like fellow men!

07/31/2026

Happy almost-August, visitors! As we push through the dog days of summer, we have some exciting news to share. Through the hard work of Arianna Hilbert, Fort Fisher's summer intern, we will be hosting a special pop-up event on Saturday, September 5 @ 10:00am - 2:00pm titled "Furry Friends at Fort Fisher."

This fun event will center on the pets and mascots that supported the soldiers of the Civil War at Fort Fisher and beyond. Various community partners will be joining us to share information and resources about animal care, service animal training, and how we can support the furry friends who make our lives whole. Bring your own pets to say hi and meet other animal lovers of Fort Fisher's wonderful visitor community!
View more details on the NC DNCR Events Calendar: https://events.dncr.nc.gov/event/furry-friends-at-fort-fisher

Each Saturday before the event kicks off, Arianna will also be publishing a series of informational social media posts. These will highlight the different ways humans and animals interacted during the Civil War, historic pets mascots, and some of the animals that lived at Fort Fisher during the Civil War and World War II.
Keep checking back to explore this fascinating information, and get pumped for our special event next month!