Ever wonder what would have happened if the Confederacy had won? Would the Capitol be in Washington, D.C.? Would the National Anthem be the same? Would the Empire State Building have been located in Richmond?

These are some questions one could ask had Fort Fisher withstood the barrage of attacks from Union forces.

We'll never know the outcome, and it doesn't matter. But the questions do underscore the fort's importance during the Civil War.

The story is an integral element of United States history. Sharing the tale is easy, but the challenge comes in preserving the site in such a way that the story makes sense.

Therefore, the Fort Fisher Restoration Committee is launching the Friends of Fort Fisher, a non-profit support arm. And, they're doing it in conjunction with the 140th Anniversary of the ending of the Civil War.

On Jan. 15, Fort Fisher State Historic Site battlefield, at Kure Beach, N.C., will commemorate its last battle. Visitors will see three new exhibits, including the famous 8-ton Armstrong cannon, a piece of British-made artillery that was actually used at Fort Fisher during the Civil War. The cannon had the capability of firing 150-pound shells up to 5 miles and featured innovative technology that changed the design and manufacture of artillery.

The Armstrong is on loan from the U.S. Army and the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, as part of observances surrounding the 140th anniversary. It will remain on display through February 2006. The gun will then be returned to West Point and a reproduction tube will be mounted on the specially manufactured carriage.

Barbara Hoppe, site manager, says the staff and members of the support organization are ecstatic about its arrival. "We've worked for three years to bring the Armstrong home for awhile. It was one of the most critical pieces of artillery here, having the capability of firing a shell nearly five miles away. Fort Fisher was incredibly lucky to have it."

Much of the treasured battlefield has been lost to coastal erosion and man-made encroachment. The new "battle" is to save and preserve the site.

The organization's wish list includes:restoration of an actual bombproof, construction of an artillery firing platform with seating and sound system for public demonstrations, creation of a summer camp for young historians, relocation of unsightly utility poles and lines from the fort area and more.

Aside from fundraising, the Friends group would open opportunities for additional programming and special events.

Paul Laird, committee chairman, says, "Traditionally, friends groups serve as advocates for historic sites. Through volunteer programs, they engage the public and help bring sites to life for visitors and students. As the most visited state historic site in North Carolina, with more than 700,000 guests last year, Fort Fisher needs a friends group to advocate for increased funding to preserve it. We simply don't have enough money to operate and maintain the facility."

Membership is $25 for individuals, $40 for families, $15 for students under 18 years of age. Corporate packages are available. To learn more, log onto www.friendsoffortfisher.com.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site battlefield is located on U.S. Highway 421 South in Kure Beach, N.C. The site spans both sides of the highway, from the Cape Fear River to the ocean, but the museum and parking is on the right (west) "" before reaching the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

Winter hours (Oct. 1-March 31) are 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tuesday Saturday. Summer hours (April 1-Sept. 30) are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Guided tours, admission and parking are free of charge. Souvenirs and educational materials are available at the Museum Gift Shop. Most of the facility is handicapped accessible.

For more information, call (910) 458-5538 or visit www.fortfisher.nchistoricsites.org.

Greta Anita Lint is a freelance writer and promotional consultant specific to the tourism industry. She can be reached at prgreta@earthlink.net. She lives in Asheboro, N.C., and guides promotional efforts for attractions, events, festivals, chambers of commerce, and convention and visitors bureaus and venues throughout the Southeast.