September 19, 2011 - Southport, NC - The first
meeting of the new meeting season for the
Brunswick Civil War Round Table was held on
Tuesday, September 6th, at Trinity United Methodist
Church in Southport with a near record audience of
190 people. The guest speaker was Stephen R. Wise,
award-winning Civil War historian, writer, editor
and guest lecturer. His topic was “The Blockade and
the Blockade Runners.” It was a most interesting and
informative presentation, especially since the navel
blockade had a significant impact on Smithville (now
Southport). With its location at the mouth of the
Cape Fear River, it was a key entry point for
blockade runners trying to reach Wilmington to
provide supplies, equipment, etc. for Gen. Lee’s
Army of Northern Virginia.
Round Table meetings are held on the first Tuesday
of each month, always featuring a renowned guest
speaker on various Civil War topics. There is no
admission fee. Visitors are invited to become
members. Annual dues are $25 for adults and
families, and $10 for students. For more
information, contact president Wally Rueckel at
(910) 253-7382, or email at
wrueckel@questor.com.