Old Tree On Crystal Coast Witnessed Civil War Action

I’m always on the lookout for history when traveling, so I was happy to stumble across an old tree on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina that is estimated to be more than 300 years old.

Located in Atlantic Beach, the grand Live Oak tree is not far from the starting point of a walking trail at Hoop Pole Creek Nature Preserve.

Known by locals as the Portrait Tree, it witnessed important Civil War actions that took place on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina at Fort Macon.

Crystal Coast Walking Trail Features Old Tree

The walking trail where the tree is located meanders through a patch of natural maritime forest that appears much as it did during the Civil War.

It’s hard to imagine how Union forces maneuvered through the vegetation before their siege of nearby Fort Macon.

Known as the “central park” of this resort town, this preserved 31-acre maritime forest is about one percent of the town. Unfortunately, it’s about all that’s left of the natural environment outside the borders of a state park.

This 1.2-mile out-and-back trail near Atlantic Beach, North Carolina is easy walking on a boardwalk and nature path on flat terrain.

It takes an average of 21 min to complete — unless your being chased by insects, which you will be, unless you spray yourself with insect repellent.

This trail is worth the effort though — not only for being reminded of the history of the area — but for birding, fishing, and hiking.

The Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail Crystal Coast NC

The Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail winds through the Hoop Pole Creek’s maritime forest and into an estuarine ecosystem. The Hoop Pole Creek property is listed as a natural heritage area because of its important values and functions.

The Name Hoop Pole came from a section of bark peeled from a young sapling or pole that was then used to secure the ends of wooden barrels before metal hoops came into use.

These poles were gathered from a forest near the place now called Hoop Pole Creek.

It’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime, but the wintertime, is probably better as far as the number of insects.

Click here for a Map of the Trail.

Old Tree Is Witness To History On The Crystal Coast

In March 1862, Union General John G. Parke’s brigade advanced from New Bern to capture Beaufort Harbor and Fort Macon. Parke sent a message to Colonel White at Fort Macon, demanding his surrender.

White reportedly replied, “I have the honor to decline evacuating Fort Macon.”

On March 29, a detachment of the 4^th Rhode Island Infantry crossed Bogue Sound from Carolina City and established an outpost camp on Bogue Banks at Hoop Pole Creek, about five miles from Fort Macon.

This camp became the base from which Parke conducted his siege. Over the next two weeks a total of 22 companies of Union infantry and artillery crossed over to the camp from Carolina City.

If you like old trees, you may also enjoy The Angel Oak in South Carolina and Witness Tree in Gettysburg, Pa.

Three batteries of siege cannons and mortars were ferried across the sound to the camp, using old barges, scows and one light-draft stern-wheel steamer. The water was so shallow that Park had to cross his troops and equipment at high tide.

Once unloaded from the vessels, the heavy artillery had to be manhandled through the muddy salt marsh and sand to reach the camp.

From Hoop Pole Creek, the artillery was then dragged almost four miles up the beach and set up in artillery emplacements from which to fire on fort Macon.

I can see why it took until April 25 for Parke’s forces to start their bombardment. In addition to the insects that try to eat you alive, the vegetation is heavy, the water is swampy, and the sand is deep. I can only imagine how hot and humid it was as well.

Once the 11-hour bombardment began, the Confederates didn’t last long. They surrendered the following day.

Other Nature Trails On The Crystal Coast

For vacationers who get tired of the beach or the water, the Crystal Coast offers natural areas like Hoop Pole Creek in Atlantic Beach, the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Area at Pine Knoll Shores and Emerald Isle Woods in Emerald Isle.

The nature trail is open for public use during daylight hours. It’s a wonderful place to escape the urban sprawl, and to see the island as it existed long ago.

There is a guided nature trail brochure at the trailhead. Be prepared for some bugs in the summer.