North Carolina is brimming with historic sites worthy of a day trip and the ruins of Brunswick Town are certainly among the top must-see sites in the state. If you’ve somehow overlooked making the trek to this coastal region ghost town, then make an effort in the near future to check out the haunting beauty of this abandoned town in North Carolina.

Established in June of 1726, Brunswick Town is found on the Cape Fear River. Once opened for business, it soon developed a strong foothold in the lumber trade selling tar, pitch, and turpentine.

Google Maps/alex maldonado The original land grant for was issued to Colonel Maurice Moore, the son of the South Carolina colonial governor. Moore had no problems selling lots to colonials willing to establish homes in his new locale.

Moore had seven brothers and four sisters. Nearly all of them eventually moved to Brunswick Town.

TripAdvisor/Alan S Today, the foundations of several dwellings are among the ruins visitors can view.

Brunwsick Town would eventually rise to the busiest port in colonial North Carolina in the mid 1750s.

TripAdvisor/D2958ZXgarym The town continued to grow and prosper. It also successfully defended itself against a brutal attack from the Spanish who raided the town to pilfer valuables and steal slaves. Following the victory, Brunswick Town returned to business as usual.

The eighth colonial governor of North Carolina established a home base in Brunswick Town before moving to his new palace in New Bern.

TripAdvisor/D2958ZXgarym The excavated remains of his residence can be viewed at this historic site.

After the governor moved to New Bern, the town dropped into a steady decline. The settlement at Wilmington had established by then and many people moved out of Brunswick to the new town.

Google Maps/Bettie Simpkins Ahead of the start of the American Revolution, only a few families remained in the town that once supported the busiest port in the province.

In the spring of 1776, British soldiers attacked Brunswick Town. The ruins of St. Philips Church are a reminder of the British raid, which destroyed the church that had only just been completed in 1768.

Google Maps/Elizabeth Mendonça Visitors to the site are free to walk among the ruins, where the vibe is hauntingly beautiful.

During the Civil War, a fort was built atop much of the remains of Brunswick Town. Known as Fort Anderson, this site itself is also a treasured relic from the past.

Facebook/Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site Because North Carolinians have a special affinity for preserving historic sites, in the mid-1900s efforts were established for excavations throughout the area in order to uncover significant remains from Brunswick Town as well as Fort Anderson. The excavations are still underway.

Have you visited this North Carolina State Historic Site yet?

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Today, many history-themed events take place at Brunswick Town. Learn more about Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson at this link. Admission is always free. The site is closed on Sunday and Monday and open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Google Maps/alex maldonado

The original land grant for was issued to Colonel Maurice Moore, the son of the South Carolina colonial governor. Moore had no problems selling lots to colonials willing to establish homes in his new locale.

TripAdvisor/Alan S

Today, the foundations of several dwellings are among the ruins visitors can view.

TripAdvisor/D2958ZXgarym

The town continued to grow and prosper. It also successfully defended itself against a brutal attack from the Spanish who raided the town to pilfer valuables and steal slaves. Following the victory, Brunswick Town returned to business as usual.

The excavated remains of his residence can be viewed at this historic site.

Google Maps/Bettie Simpkins

Ahead of the start of the American Revolution, only a few families remained in the town that once supported the busiest port in the province.

Google Maps/Elizabeth Mendonça

Visitors to the site are free to walk among the ruins, where the vibe is hauntingly beautiful.

Facebook/Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site

Because North Carolinians have a special affinity for preserving historic sites, in the mid-1900s efforts were established for excavations throughout the area in order to uncover significant remains from Brunswick Town as well as Fort Anderson. The excavations are still underway.

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Address: 8884 St Phillips Rd SE, Winnabow, NC 28479, USA