Southport History

Originally incorporated in 1792 as Smithville, its progressive citizens changed its name to Southport in 1887 in hopes of attracting a port. The port went further upstream to the City of Wilmington but this entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the City today. The historic charm of this community will captivate you as you walk under a canopy of 200 year old live oak trees, or walk past majestic Victorian century homes which once belonged to river pilots or maybe even a pirate or two. Southport is one of few Cities with a true downtown.

Banks, antique & collectible shops, restaurants, and professional offices line about a five block area in the downtown commercial district. Just outside this district is one of the finest medical care facilities in our region, J.A. Dosher Memorial Hospital. A visit to our area is not complete without a day or two of walking through these antique and specialty shops, stopping along the way for a leisurely lunch at an outside pub or restaurant along the waterfront or yacht basin, taking a historic tour of the city, watching transoceanic vessels pass by at Waterfront Park and visiting the NC Maritime Museum in Southport. The City of Southport also offers sailors, anglers and boaters a safe haven through the Southport Marina, Old Yacht Basin and City