PHOTOS: See Cape Fear historic sites from above

What remains of the earthen mounds built by Confederate soldiers, slaves, freed black men and Native Americans at Fort Fisher during the Civil War. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

St. Philips Church at Brunswick Town was the religious hub of the region in the mid-1700s, although it took many years to complete the church in the colonial town. Today, its walls are still standing at the state historic site in Winnabow. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

This vantage point of the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site shows the Fort Anderson side of the site, including a newly built gun emplacement platform on which a 32-pounder cannon has since been installed. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

The Battleship North Carolina arrived in Wilmington in October 1961 after being saved from the scrap yard by a statewide campaign. It is now a World War II memorial and museum across from downtown Wilmington. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

This vantage point of the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site shows the Fort Anderson side of the site along the Cape Fear River. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

The Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site in Winnabow is a dual historic site, featuring the area’s first permanent colonial settlement and the Civil War fort, from which Confederate troops tried to guard the Cape Fear River and Wilmington during the Civil War. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

The Old Baldy lighthouse on Bald Head Island was opened in 1817 and served mariners for years until it was decommissioned. Today it is a popular visitors site in which guests can climb to the top. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

A look at St. Philips Church (top right) and the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site visitors center in Winnabow. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

The Fort Fisher State Historic Site includes a monument on what is known as Battle Acre, where the Confederacy held their local headquarters during the Civil War. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]

In recent years, the Battleship North Carolina has been battling flooding issues from high tides in the Cape Fear River. But it has also had exciting improvements, including a new walkway that completely surrounds the ship for a new vantage point for guests. [STARNEWS FILE PHOTO]