The name comes from the 1585 expedition of Sir Richard Grenville. Sailing to Roanoke Island, his ship became embayed behind the cape. Some of the crew were afraid they would wreck, giving rise to the name Cape Fear.
What is Cape Fear known for?
The Cape Fear area, and specifically Wilmington, has a well-earned reputation as the “Hollywood of the South.” Home to a number of productions as well as one of the largest movie studios east of Hollywood, the area was the site of a far-reaching range of famed movies and TV shows including, but certainly not limited to
Is there a town called Cape Fear?
Cape Fear is a coastal plain and Tidewater region of North Carolina centered about the city of Wilmington. The region takes its name from the adjacent Cape Fear headland, as does the Cape Fear River which flows through the region and empties into the Atlantic Ocean near the cape.
Who discovered Cape Fear?
The earliest permanent settlement of the Cape Fear Valley took place in the spring of 1726, when Maurice Moore occupied lands on the south side of the river and laid off the town of Brunswick about 12 miles above its mouth.
Why is the Cape Fear River famous?
The Cape Fear River has been one of North Carolina’s most important natural resources since it was first dubbed ”Rio Jordan” by Spanish explorers in 1526. Its subsequent names included the Charles River and the Clarendon River; it appears to have been commonly known as the Cape Fear River by at least 1733.
Are there sharks in the Cape Fear River?
WILMINGTON — Yes, there are sharks in the Cape Fear River.
Does Cape Fear River have alligators?
Alligators are concentrated in the lower Cape Fear and Neuse River Valleys but roam over much of the Coastal Plain south of the 36th parallel, which splits Albemarle Sound lengthwise.
How Deep is the Cape Fear River in Wilmington?
42 feet deep
That’s because the shipping channel in the Cape Fear River is not deep enough. The channel, which runs 26 miles from the docks to the open ocean, is 42 feet deep at the lowest low tide.
Where does the Cape Fear start?
Cape Fear RiverSources
Is Cape Fear a true story?
The 1962 film “Cape Fear” (which was remade in 1991 by Martin Scorsese) was based on the 1957 novel “The Executioners” by John D. MacDonald. The book is set in the fictional town of “New Essex,” in what appears to be central Florida, where MacDonald was living at the time. No mention is made of “Cape Fear” in the text.
Why is Wilmington NC famous?
The city’s most attention-grabbing attraction — it’s hard to miss — is the immense Battleship North Carolina, a WWII-era warship that is open to tour. Wilmington’s port, sheltered on Cape Fear River, gained prosperity by shipping petroleum and pulp products, and this coast played an important part in Civil War history.
What is special about Wilmington NC?
Boasting beautiful old buildings and astounding architecture, Wilmington’s Historic District is a treat to explore. Encompassing everything from mansions and museums to historic homes and charming churches, it lies on the banks of the Cape Fear River in the heart of the city center.
Why is Cape Fear an 18?
Parents need to know that Cape Fear is a violent revenge thriller, with references and scenes of sexual assault, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro.
Can you swim in the Cape Fear River?
“Whenever someone says they’re heading to the river to swim, remind them to be extremely careful,” said Erwin police Chief Jonathan Johnson. “Even when the Cape Fear looks calm, it can be dangerous.” Dangerous enough to have claimed more lives than any other river in the state, except in the case of a hurricane.
Who owns the Cape Fear River?
It’s been owned by Donald Bordeaux since 1973, when the land was purchased for $42,000, according to property records.
Where did the name Cape Fear River come from?
The river is named for Cape Fear, at the southern tip of Smith Island, the site of dangerous shoals. The river and its region are the setting for the popular Hollywood film noir Cape Fear (originally made in 1962 and remade in 1991), which is based on the novel The Executioner (1958) by John MacDonald.
Which NC Beach has the most sharks?
Sunset Beach Pier in Brunswick County, North Carolina, has a recorded 17 shark attacks, the highest in the state.
Are there dolphins in the Cape Fear River?
“There is a small group of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins documented year-round in the Wilmington area,” she said. “These ‘residents’ represent animals adapted for truly coastal living and can be spotted in the marshes and close to shore – even in the Cape Fear River – usually in small groups of three to five animals.”
Is the Cape Fear River fresh or saltwater?
The Cape Fear River begins its transition from fresh to brackish just below Lock & Dam #1 near Riegelwood. In this part of the river you can catch both fresh and saltwater species at certain times of the year.
Are alligators in Wilmington NC?
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. (WNCN) — A North Carolina family was stunned to see an alligator in the surf at an island near Wilmington last week. A large alligator was swimming in the ocean at Masonboro Island last Friday and Marcus Tooker captured video and photos of the rare sight.
What lives in the Cape Fear River?
The Cape Fear River watershed is an incredibly rich and diverse ecosystem, home to a wide range of plant and animal life, including ancient cypress trees, alligators, otters, black bear, a large variety of birds and a host of fish species.