This is a story of Fort Macon, one of America’s most visited forts, describing the many dramatic parts it has played in our history. Paul Branch, a ranger/historian at Fort Macon has illustrated his book with original engineering drawings, maps, sketches, and photographs from the 1800s to the present. He begins with the need for coastal defense in 18th century North Carolina and the construction of Fort Macon. He describes the pre-Civil War years leading to its seizure by the Confederacy. The battle for possession of the fort and the subsequent Union occupation is related in vivid detail and illustrated with several maps. Use of the fort and its armaments during the Spanish-American War and World War II are examined. Today the site is in a state park which attracts over one million visitors each year.

Chapters include: Early Problems of Defense, Fort Hampton, Construction of Fort Macon, The Antebellum Years, Confederate Occupation, The Siege of Fort Macon, Union Occupation, Postwar Years, and The Twentieth Century. Appendices include: Garrisons of Fort Macon, Armament of Fort Macon, Soldier Life, and Casemate Uses. A wealth of photographs and illustrations; several maps; a glossary, a bibliography; and an index of full-names, places and subjects adds to the value of this work.