Wilmington, N. C

was founded in 1733. This town was wrested from the Confederates and occupied by the Federal troops 20,000 strong, under Schofield, February 22, 1865. The actual capture of the town itself was accomplished without bloodshed. Its protecting fortifications, Forts Fisher and Anderson, had been captured January 15 and February 18 respectively. After the Confederates Bragg and Hoke, who had held Fort Anderson with 6,000 men, abandoned that stronghold, they retreated, February 20, through Wilmington, burning the steamers, cotton, naval and military stores, to prevent their falling into the hands of the Federals. On February 22, therefore, the town was occupied by Schofield without opposition.