As with many coastal towns of North Carolina, Southport has a rich history of early Spanish explorers, pirates, 200 year old live oaks, movie production sites and historic festivals.
Beginning in 1792, Joshua Potts requested the NC General Assembly to commission the area and named it Smithville after Benjamin Smith who served in the Revolutionary War under General George Washington. The area was settled and used for fishing and because of its location, the military. Fort Johnston was very important in every war. From 1808 until 1978, Smithville was the county seat of Brunswick County and in 1887 in an attempt to promote the area to become a major seaport, Smithville was renamed Southport. Although it did not succeed in becoming a large port, it did manage to grow and prosper through the years.
While strolling Southport, stop in the NC Maritime Museum, Old Brunswick County Jail Museum, Old Smithville Burying Ground or take a guided walking tour past the great live oaks that line the streets of homes with styles that range from great Victorians to coastal cottages.
But, for the best tour in town, stop by our office and . . . Stroll Historic Southport with a Local!
Join us in a tour of just a few Historic Homes below, all currently available!
Carl Lounsbury, The Architecture of Southport
311 E. Bay Street
The Dr. Lorenzo Frink House, circa 1875 – Southern elegance and beauty!
This historic and stately home, draped with a canopy of live oaks, sits high above the Cape Fear River on a large lot on E. Bay Street. Enjoy the gorgeous views and ship watching along the Cape Fear River as well as the salubrious breezes! This home is on The National Register of Historic Places.
Carl Lounsbury, The Architecture of Southport
209 Short Street
Be a part of movie history…this Historic downtown Southport waterfront area home was a major film location in ”I Know What You Did Last Summer”.
What a unique opportunity to own one of Southport’s most original homes, the McKeithan-Ford House ca.1900. It is located on a one way street with a spectacular view of the Yacht Basin, Intracoastal Waterway, and the Cape Fear River. This is a chance to enjoy the pure magic of living in Southport!
Carl Lounsbury, The Architecture of Southport
405 N. Atlantic Avenue
Come experience and explore the essence the seaside town of Southport has amid this turn of the century 1910 well maintained charming two story historic classic home .
The comfortable double front porches on the street lined with our famous live oak trees are within the quaint waterfront and historic downtown district. Glowing heart pine wood floors, classic staircase, and the quaint rear courtyard patio are impressive. There are many wonderful nooks and cozy spaces to relax. Features include a newer metal roof, newer HVAC and ductwork. The den could also be used as a master suite. You must see the wonderful custom workshop detached outbuilding.