The ‘Peg-Leg’ Preacher of Fort Fisher

On Christmas Eve 1864, with Union shells raining down on Fort Fisher, Pvt. Christopher Columbus Bland of Company K — the “Brunswick Artillery” — climbed the fort’s flagstaff under fire to re-fasten the garrison flag.

Bland was later wounded and taken prisoner. He survived the war and became known around these parts as the “peg-leg” preacher.

Stories like his are why we do this. Our coast’s history runs deep — and we’ll keep telling it. 🇺🇸