Situated on the banks of the Cape Fear River, Wilmington is awash in unusual tales and legends. A prevalent pirate hideaway, the area harbored the infamous Blackbeard and the cunning Calico Jack Rackham. Since its initial settlement, the region has witnessed an abundance of fantastical lore, including passionately fought duels, explosive train wrecks, Revolutionary and Civil War heroes and some legends that are said to take the form of apparitions. At the local Cape Fear Wine & Beer pub, the ghost of a fallen redcoat can't seem to get enough of a frothy porter brewed from yeast salvaged from an early nineteenth-century shipwreck. Wonder at these and other fascinating and strange tales as local author John Hirchak reveals the legendary history of Wilmington and Cape Fear.

"In Curious Tales From Old Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear: The Truth Behind the Legends, Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., Professor Emeritus in the Department of History at UNC Wilmington, explores five famous urban legends with the skills of a professional historian. The stories have been told and retold for many years, in one case more than 200 years, but what is the truth behind them? What really happened and what do the legends reveal?"--.

As one of America's most haunted cities, Wilmington and its many ghosts make the Cape Fear region of North Carolina truly worthy of its name. With wit and style, ghostlore expert John Hirchak leads readers on a journey down Wilmington's back alleys and docksides, urging them to listen to the lingering whispers of generations long dead.

These tales of the supernatural are an intrinsic part of the rich folklore of the coastal area, and they have been written with as much attention to authenticity and historical accuracy as possible.

Down the Wild Cape Fear: A River Journey through the Heart of North Carolina

"In More Curious Tales From Old Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear: The Truth Behind the Legends, Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., Professor Emeritus in the Department of History at UNC Wilmington, explores famous urban legends with the skills of a professional historian"--.

Since 1739, Wilmington has seen centuries of change along the banks of the Cape Fear River to the beaches of the Atlantic. Through the years much has been lost to war, neglect, and progress, but in many places the past is well preserved and still visible today. The city's enduring spirit is evident in these images of past and present.