The General Beauregard wrecked off the coast of Carolina Beach just north of Fort Fisher. There is a small gazebo that interprets the event near a public access point to the beach. Part of the ship is easily visible just off the shoreline. I visited during low tide in order to get the best views of the wreck.

The Shipwreck Gazebo- 34.0270964, -77.8945041. From the markers- “The General Beauregard was an iron-hulled side-wheel steamer 223 feet, 2 inches long. Formerly, the Havelock, it was built in 1858 at Govan, Scotland to serve as a ferry between Glasgow and Dublin. Chicora Importing and Exporting Company of South Carolina purchased it in February 1863 and placed it under the command of Louis Coxette for use in the profitable trade of blockade running. It was named after Confederate General Beauregard. On December 11, 1863, the General Beauregard, carrying a cargo of candles, brown sugar, coffee, bacon, and other commodities, attempted to slip through the blockade as it had done sixteen times before, it was spotted and chased ashore by the USS Howquah and the USS Tuscorora just three miles north of Fort Fisher. Caught in a cross-fire between the Union ships and Confederate shore batteries, the Beauregard was fired upon and destroyed to prevent capture by the North or salvage by the South.” “Today, portions of the paddle wheel shaft and hubs may be seen during periods of low water.”

Walking the down the short path from the gazebo to the beach

The shipwreck site is just offshore slightly to the right. Pictures taken from 34.026357, -77.8942365.

Source

Pamphlet- General Beauregard Historic Shipwreck Overlook obtained at the Federal Point Visitor Center, 1121A North Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach