Plymouth Civil War Massacre to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker

A Confederate attack on U.S. troops in eastern North Carolina in April 1864 that led to killing of Black soldiers and civilians will be recognized with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker.

The marker will be dedicated during a ceremony Friday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m., in Plymouth, N.C., at the intersection of U.S. 64 and Rankin Lane.

Plymouth, a thriving port in the mid-19th century, was an early target of Union strategists. Ships originating at the port transported naval stores and crops on the Roanoke River east to markets along, and about, the Atlantic Ocean and west to Weldon, the critical junction of the river with the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. Union troops first occupied Plymouth in May 1862. Periodically, Confederate commanders made inadequate attempts to recapture the town, but it stayed under Union control until April 1864.

The Civil War Battle of Plymouth, N.C., April 17-20, 1864, was the culmination of many factors. Confederate forces wanted to end the United States' occupation of eastern North Carolina. United States authorities occupied strategic intercoastal river ports in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia.

Accounts of a Black massacre on April 20 began shortly after Brig. Gen. Henry W. Wessells surrendered the Plymouth garrison. After the battle, Confederate soldiers killed at least 100 Black soldiers and civilians, ransacked the town for souvenirs and left Plymouth in shambles, according to historical accounts.

The loss of Plymouth influenced recruiting and placement of African American troops in North Carolina. African American forces moved mainly to Virginia and fought as part of the Army of the James. Not until the United States attacks on Fort Fisher in December 1864 and January 1865 would African American troops again be involved in fighting in North Carolina.

For more information about the historical marker, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2024/12/03/plymouth-massacre-b-79, or call (919) 814-6625.

The Highway Historical Marker Program is a collaboration between the N.C. departments of Natural and Cultural Resources and Transportation.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.