FROM THE ARCHIVES: The Cape Fear River in North Carolina
LOCAL

FROM THE ARCHIVES: The Cape Fear River in Fayetteville and beyond

Andrew Craft
This "ferryboat" was used to transport Fayetteville citizens along with their horses, mules, and wagons, across the Cape Fear River while the new bridge was being constructed after the disastrous fire of February 3, 1909 totally destroyed the second old Clarendon Bridge.
This "ferryboat" was used to transport Fayetteville citizens along with their horses, mules, and wagons, across the Cape Fear River while the new bridge was being constructed after the disastrous fire of February 3, 1909 totally destroyed the second old Clarendon Bridge.
Contributed
A riverboat on the Cape Fear River in Fayetteville.
A riverboat on the Cape Fear River in Fayetteville.
Contributed
Construction of the new Cape Fear River Bridge sometime between 1953 and 1955.
Construction of the new Cape Fear River Bridge sometime between 1953 and 1955.
Staff Photo, The Fayetteville Observer
Construction on the new I-95 by-pass at Hwy. 87 and the Cape Fear River in December of 1977.
Construction on the new I-95 by-pass at Hwy. 87 and the Cape Fear River in December of 1977.
Staff Photo, The Fayetteville Observer
Breece's Landing on the Cape Fear River.
Breece's Landing on the Cape Fear River.
Staff Photo, The Fayetteville Observer
A boat passes the remains of USS Patrol-Craft 1084 on the Cape Fear River on Sept. 1, 1973.
A boat passes the remains of USS Patrol-Craft 1084 on the Cape Fear River on Sept. 1, 1973.
Steve Aldridge, The Fayetteville Observer
A tugboat pushing a barge on the Cape Fear River on Sept. 4, 1973.
A tugboat pushing a barge on the Cape Fear River on Sept. 4, 1973.
Steve Aldridge, The Fayetteville Observer
David Mowey, left, and Pete Seeger paddle on the Cape Fear River in November 1975.
David Mowey, left, and Pete Seeger paddle on the Cape Fear River in November 1975.
Staff Photo, The Fayetteville Observer
Scuba divers in the Cape Fear River on April 21, 1976.
Scuba divers in the Cape Fear River on April 21, 1976.
Bill Shaw, The Fayetteville Observer
The start of a canoe race on the Cape Fear River on April 25, 1976.
The start of a canoe race on the Cape Fear River on April 25, 1976.
Staff Photo, The Fayetteville Observer
Fishing on the Cape Fear River on Aug. 16, 1976.
Fishing on the Cape Fear River on Aug. 16, 1976.
Staff Photo, The Fayetteville Observer
The pilot of the riverboat Capt. J.N. Maffitt of Wilmington is greeted upon arrival in Fayetteville on May 23, 1985.
The pilot of the riverboat Capt. J.N. Maffitt of Wilmington is greeted upon arrival in Fayetteville on May 23, 1985.
Johnny Horne, The Fayetteville Observer
Particpants prepare to leave the Lock and Dam #3 on the Cape Fear River as they prepare to protest the Smithfield Plant.
Particpants prepare to leave the Lock and Dam #3 on the Cape Fear River as they prepare to protest the Smithfield Plant.
Staff Photo, The Fayetteville Observer
Cape Fear River search for Civil War artifacts on July 28, 1988.
Cape Fear River search for Civil War artifacts on July 28, 1988.
Photo By Johnny Horne, The Fayetteville Observer
State Archaeologists at the intersection of the Cape Fear River and Rockfish Creek in 1988.
State Archaeologists at the intersection of the Cape Fear River and Rockfish Creek in 1988.
Staff Photo, The Fayetteville Observer
DOT Bridge Maintenance crew members Mike Griffin and Robert Jones try to break up a snag under the Oscar P. Breece Bridge on the Cape Fear River.
DOT Bridge Maintenance crew members Mike Griffin and Robert Jones try to break up a snag under the Oscar P. Breece Bridge on the Cape Fear River.
Staff Photo, The Fayetteville Observer
Bridges crossing the Cape Fear River in Cumberland County.
Bridges crossing the Cape Fear River in Cumberland County.
Staff Photo, The Fayetteville Observer
Timothy Virtue fishes in high water of the Cape Fear River near the boat ramp at the Person St. Bridge.
Timothy Virtue fishes in high water of the Cape Fear River near the boat ramp at the Person St. Bridge.
Staff Photo, The Fayetteville Observer
Looking over the Cape Fear River Bridge toward Elizabethtown.
Looking over the Cape Fear River Bridge toward Elizabethtown.
Staff Photo, The Fayetteville Observer
The Seaboard Coastline Railroad Bridge crosses the Cape Fear River Bridge.
The Seaboard Coastline Railroad Bridge crosses the Cape Fear River Bridge.
Staff Photo, The Fayetteville Observer
A lone boater makes his way up river where the Cape Fear winds through Elizabethtown on July 21, 1999.
A lone boater makes his way up river where the Cape Fear winds through Elizabethtown on July 21, 1999.
Brian Thorpe, The Fayetteville Observer
Whitney Smith gets airborne over the Cape Fear River with the help of her uncle Mike Smith Cape Fear River on July 21, 1999. The group comes down to the river most summer weekends.
Whitney Smith gets airborne over the Cape Fear River with the help of her uncle Mike Smith Cape Fear River on July 21, 1999. The group comes down to the river most summer weekends.
Brian Thorpe, The Fayetteville Observer
Mike Johnson, environmental manager at DuPont Fayetteville Works, stands near the Cape Fear River at the point where DuPont withdraws 15 million gallons of water a day from the river in 1999. At this point the river water is pumped up to the plant to be used in its daily operations.
Mike Johnson, environmental manager at DuPont Fayetteville Works, stands near the Cape Fear River at the point where DuPont withdraws 15 million gallons of water a day from the river in 1999. At this point the river water is pumped up to the plant to be used in its daily operations.
Steve Hebert, The Fayetteville Observer
Mary Ann Byrd water skis on the Cape Fear River in southern Cumberland County, Tuesday, August. 3, 1999. The I-95 bypass bridge can be seen in the background.
Mary Ann Byrd water skis on the Cape Fear River in southern Cumberland County, Tuesday, August. 3, 1999. The I-95 bypass bridge can be seen in the background.
Steve Aldridge, The Fayetteville Observer
Matthew McIver with UNCW Center for Marine Science Research sits on the stern of the research vessel as it passes the International Paper plant in Reigelwood. Dr. Mike Mallin , McIver and Scott Ensign were on their monthly trip up the Cape Fear to take water samples and gather data on the river, Wednesday, August. 11, 1999.
Matthew McIver with UNCW Center for Marine Science Research sits on the stern of the research vessel as it passes the International Paper plant in Reigelwood. Dr. Mike Mallin , McIver and Scott Ensign were on their monthly trip up the Cape Fear to take water samples and gather data on the river, Wednesday, August. 11, 1999.
Steve Aldridge, The Fayetteville Observer
A snake makes its way across the Cape Fear River on Oct. 4, 1999.
A snake makes its way across the Cape Fear River on Oct. 4, 1999.
Brian Thorpe, The Fayetteville Observer
Some of the reinforced concrete spans are were being set on the US13 bridge over the Cape Fear River Friday, February. 9, 2001. Men and equipment have to be out of the water by March, but work on both banks will continue after that.
Some of the reinforced concrete spans are were being set on the US13 bridge over the Cape Fear River Friday, February. 9, 2001. Men and equipment have to be out of the water by March, but work on both banks will continue after that.
Steve Aldridge, The Fayetteville Observer
Lt. Gary Dudley, with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, holds up a knife he found Wednesday while diving in the Cape Fear River near the Grove Street bridge. Investigators said they believe Halimah Stephenson-Smith, 27, used this knife Monday to stab her boyfriend Varian Alexander. "We know there's a knife missing from the house," said Lt. Sam Pennica watching from the Grove Street Bridge. "This appears to be it." Dudley felt his was along the dark bottom of the Cape Fear River for more than three hours Wednesday lookiong for a 9mm gun, a knife and some shoes. The 9mm gun invesigators believe was used in the murder was also found.
Lt. Gary Dudley, with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, holds up a knife he found Wednesday while diving in the Cape Fear River near the Grove Street bridge. Investigators said they believe Halimah Stephenson-Smith, 27, used this knife Monday to stab her boyfriend Varian Alexander. "We know there's a knife missing from the house," said Lt. Sam Pennica watching from the Grove Street Bridge. "This appears to be it." Dudley felt his was along the dark bottom of the Cape Fear River for more than three hours Wednesday lookiong for a 9mm gun, a knife and some shoes. The 9mm gun invesigators believe was used in the murder was also found.
Brian Thorpe, The Fayetteville Observer
Joe Andrews, superintendent with Lee Construction of the Carolinas, talks on his radio on the west bound roadbed on the new US13 bridges over the Cape Fear River, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001. His crew pours the concrete for the east bound roadbed. The bridges will connect Ramsey Street to 1-95 at exit 58.
Joe Andrews, superintendent with Lee Construction of the Carolinas, talks on his radio on the west bound roadbed on the new US13 bridges over the Cape Fear River, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001. His crew pours the concrete for the east bound roadbed. The bridges will connect Ramsey Street to 1-95 at exit 58.
Steve Aldridge, The Fayetteville Observer
Matthew Hooper playing his fiddle on Cape Fear River, Monday, May 6, 2002
Matthew Hooper playing his fiddle on Cape Fear River, Monday, May 6, 2002
Cindy Burnham, The Fayetteville Observer
Ryan Sheppard, of Laurinburg, caught this two pound catfish near the Lock Number 3 on the Cape Fear River near the Bladen/Cumberland County line. Fisherman at the site said the water level was down compared to past times.
Ryan Sheppard, of Laurinburg, caught this two pound catfish near the Lock Number 3 on the Cape Fear River near the Bladen/Cumberland County line. Fisherman at the site said the water level was down compared to past times.
Steve Hebert, The Fayetteville Observer
Rocky Buie, left, and Michael Jones back their boat out into the Cape Fear River from the landing at Riverside Sports Center, Monday, Aug. 4, 2003. Going by the tops of the pier pilings the river is about 7 feet above the normal level.
Rocky Buie, left, and Michael Jones back their boat out into the Cape Fear River from the landing at Riverside Sports Center, Monday, Aug. 4, 2003. Going by the tops of the pier pilings the river is about 7 feet above the normal level.
Steve Aldridge, The Fayetteville Observer
Aerial view of the new bridge of the Fayetteville outer loop over the Cape fear River in 2002.
Aerial view of the new bridge of the Fayetteville outer loop over the Cape fear River in 2002.
Steve Aldridge, The Fayetteville Observer
The Red Baron Stearman acrobatic team fly over the Cape Fear River and Cumberland county Wednesday morning, May 14, 2003.
The Red Baron Stearman acrobatic team fly over the Cape Fear River and Cumberland county Wednesday morning, May 14, 2003.
Marc Hall, The Fayetteville Observer
The first section of the Fayetteville Outer Loop opened Monday June 16, 2003. Traffic travels over the Cape Fear River on River Road to Ramsey Street Monday afternoon.
The first section of the Fayetteville Outer Loop opened Monday June 16, 2003. Traffic travels over the Cape Fear River on River Road to Ramsey Street Monday afternoon.
Cindy Burnham, The Fayetteville Observer
An officer with the NC Wildlife Commission sits in a boat with 380 marijuana plants at a landing along the Cape Fear River near Tar Heel on Aug. 15, 2003.
An officer with the NC Wildlife Commission sits in a boat with 380 marijuana plants at a landing along the Cape Fear River near Tar Heel on Aug. 15, 2003.
Justin Smith, The Fayetteville Observer
Ed Pope cuts steel on the west side of Upper Locks Creek, Monday, Jan. 5, 2004. A section of the Person Street, over the creek, can be seen in the background. It is part of the project the will replace the Person Street Bridge over the Cape Fear River.
Ed Pope cuts steel on the west side of Upper Locks Creek, Monday, Jan. 5, 2004. A section of the Person Street, over the creek, can be seen in the background. It is part of the project the will replace the Person Street Bridge over the Cape Fear River.
Steve Aldridge, The Fayetteville Observer
Lockmaster Phil Edge hauls his kayak toward the Cape Fear River so he can paddle across the river and check out a place where he had spotted some tents that were along the river in the area of the Huske Lock and Dam off of NC 87 south of Fayetteville on June 1, 2004.
Lockmaster Phil Edge hauls his kayak toward the Cape Fear River so he can paddle across the river and check out a place where he had spotted some tents that were along the river in the area of the Huske Lock and Dam off of NC 87 south of Fayetteville on June 1, 2004.
Steve Hebert, The Fayetteville Observer
Billy Locklear, from Robeson County, brings his tackle box down to the shores of the Cape Fear River at the William O. Huske Lock and Dam off NC 87 in Bladen County Thursday morning, July 22, 2004.
Billy Locklear, from Robeson County, brings his tackle box down to the shores of the Cape Fear River at the William O. Huske Lock and Dam off NC 87 in Bladen County Thursday morning, July 22, 2004.
Marc Hall, The Fayetteville Observer
Aerial view showing construction of the new Person Street bridge over the Cape Fear River (bottom) east of downtown Fayetteville on Dec. 30, 2004. The Oscar P. Breece Bridge north of Person Street (Grove Street bridge) is at top.
Aerial view showing construction of the new Person Street bridge over the Cape Fear River (bottom) east of downtown Fayetteville on Dec. 30, 2004. The Oscar P. Breece Bridge north of Person Street (Grove Street bridge) is at top.
Mike Spencer, The Fayetteville Observer
Frank and Sarah Henegar fish on the Cape Fear River on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 9, 2005. Frank caught a six pound carp in the same spot on Saturday, but wasn't having much luck with the net on Sunday.
Frank and Sarah Henegar fish on the Cape Fear River on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 9, 2005. Frank caught a six pound carp in the same spot on Saturday, but wasn't having much luck with the net on Sunday.
David Smith, The Fayetteville Observer
Mikele Haywood, left, and Charles Astripe take a tour of the Cape Fear River Tuesday, June 20, 2006, with their fellow city planning commissioners. The city is pushing developers to build along the river and expand the city's reach to the banks of the Cape Fear River.
Mikele Haywood, left, and Charles Astripe take a tour of the Cape Fear River Tuesday, June 20, 2006, with their fellow city planning commissioners. The city is pushing developers to build along the river and expand the city's reach to the banks of the Cape Fear River.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
A rusted out steam crane is covered by trees along the banks of the Cape Fear River on June 20, 2006. City planning commissioners took a tour of the Cape Fear River Tuesday to see the land along the river. The city is pushing developers to build along the river and expand the city's reach to the banks of the Cape Fear River.
A rusted out steam crane is covered by trees along the banks of the Cape Fear River on June 20, 2006. City planning commissioners took a tour of the Cape Fear River Tuesday to see the land along the river. The city is pushing developers to build along the river and expand the city's reach to the banks of the Cape Fear River.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
Aerial shot of Cape Fear River between Grove Street and Person Street on June 23, 2006. This is the proposed riverfront park development area.
Aerial shot of Cape Fear River between Grove Street and Person Street on June 23, 2006. This is the proposed riverfront park development area.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
Waterfowl fly above the Cape Fear River Thursday morning, July 27, 2006.
Waterfowl fly above the Cape Fear River Thursday morning, July 27, 2006.
Cindy Burnham, The Fayetteville Observer
A boat returns to Campbellton Landing on the Cape Fear river Thursday evening after retrieving a body from the river on May 8, 2008.
A boat returns to Campbellton Landing on the Cape Fear river Thursday evening after retrieving a body from the river on May 8, 2008.
Marc Hall, The Fayetteville Observer
A small fishing boat rests on top of several trees and branches in the Cape fear River that are stuck at the base of the 301 bridge in Fayetteville on Sept. 11, 2008. The photo was taken near the Middle River Loop Road that goes underneath the bridge. The debris apparently gathered from the recent storms.
A small fishing boat rests on top of several trees and branches in the Cape fear River that are stuck at the base of the 301 bridge in Fayetteville on Sept. 11, 2008. The photo was taken near the Middle River Loop Road that goes underneath the bridge. The debris apparently gathered from the recent storms.
Marcus Castro, The Fayetteville Observer
NCDOT work crews, with the help of a crane, start clearing debris out of the Cape Fear River on Oct. 14, 2008. The pile up of debris was caused by tropical storm Hanna. The south bound lanes of US 301, from Middle Road to the bridge over the Cape Fear River, will be closed until about the end of next week, while crews clean up the debris.
NCDOT work crews, with the help of a crane, start clearing debris out of the Cape Fear River on Oct. 14, 2008. The pile up of debris was caused by tropical storm Hanna. The south bound lanes of US 301, from Middle Road to the bridge over the Cape Fear River, will be closed until about the end of next week, while crews clean up the debris.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
Elwood Benton fishes with his son Elwood, and his grandson Wade on the Cape Fear River in Fayetteville on July 29, 2009.
Elwood Benton fishes with his son Elwood, and his grandson Wade on the Cape Fear River in Fayetteville on July 29, 2009.
Octavio Jones, The Fayetteville Observer
Rock climbers take turns climbing up a train tressel pylon on the Cape Fear River near Person Street on Aug. 21, 2009.
Rock climbers take turns climbing up a train tressel pylon on the Cape Fear River near Person Street on Aug. 21, 2009.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
Robert Kitchen steers his boat down the Cape Fear River Sunday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2009.
Robert Kitchen steers his boat down the Cape Fear River Sunday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2009.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
Steven Fussel looks around as he sits at the front of Robert Kitchen's boat as they head down the Cape Fear River Sunday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2009.
Steven Fussel looks around as he sits at the front of Robert Kitchen's boat as they head down the Cape Fear River Sunday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2009.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
Boaters gather and hang out on a sand bar on the Cape Fear River Sunday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2009.
Boaters gather and hang out on a sand bar on the Cape Fear River Sunday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2009.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
A fellow boater waves to Jimmy Johnson as he sits on a log floating down the Cape Fear River Sunday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2009.
A fellow boater waves to Jimmy Johnson as he sits on a log floating down the Cape Fear River Sunday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2009.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
Boaters gather and hang out on a sand bar on the Cape Fear River Sunday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2009.
Boaters gather and hang out on a sand bar on the Cape Fear River Sunday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2009.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
The trail to Raven Rock ends at this small sign on the banks of the Cape Fear River west of Lillington on Sept. 30, 2009. A 1 1/2 mile walking trail at Raven Rock State Park ends here, near the famous rock formation.
The trail to Raven Rock ends at this small sign on the banks of the Cape Fear River west of Lillington on Sept. 30, 2009. A 1 1/2 mile walking trail at Raven Rock State Park ends here, near the famous rock formation.
Johnny Horne, The Fayetteville Observer
George McDowell fishes along the Cape Fear River Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at the William O. Huske Lock and Dam.
George McDowell fishes along the Cape Fear River Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at the William O. Huske Lock and Dam.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
Brian Klamer knows what to do when catfish are not biting in Cape Fear River on June 24, 2010.
Brian Klamer knows what to do when catfish are not biting in Cape Fear River on June 24, 2010.
Raul R. Rubiera, The Fayetteville Observer
Visually impaired children, Brandon Austin, left to right, Samantha Holmes and Storm Stallings, take a tour of the Cape Fear River with other children and volunteers on Aug. 4, 2010.
Visually impaired children, Brandon Austin, left to right, Samantha Holmes and Storm Stallings, take a tour of the Cape Fear River with other children and volunteers on Aug. 4, 2010.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
From left Greg Varner, 9, Gary House, Lynn Davis, Sam Dunbar and Tanner Davis kayak on the Cape Fear River Saturday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2010.
From left Greg Varner, 9, Gary House, Lynn Davis, Sam Dunbar and Tanner Davis kayak on the Cape Fear River Saturday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2010.
James Robinson, The Fayetteville Observer
Greg Varner, 9, helps to carry the kayak up the bank at the end of a kayak trip on the Cape Fear River Saturday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2010.
Greg Varner, 9, helps to carry the kayak up the bank at the end of a kayak trip on the Cape Fear River Saturday afternoon, Aug. 25, 2010.
James Robinson, The Fayetteville Observer
The bridge over the Cape Fear River in Lillington has been close down to one lane each way while they build a replacement, April 15, 2013.
The bridge over the Cape Fear River in Lillington has been close down to one lane each way while they build a replacement, April 15, 2013.
Raul R. Rubiera, The Fayetteville Observer
The Cape Fear River from Campbellton Landing on April 16, 2013.
The Cape Fear River from Campbellton Landing on April 16, 2013.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
A boat glides across the Cape Fear River as seen from the Person Street bridge on April 16, 2013.
A boat glides across the Cape Fear River as seen from the Person Street bridge on April 16, 2013.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
Fifteen thousand rubber ducks are poured into the Cape Fear River from the Person Street Bridge for the Fayetteville Duck Derby at Campbellton Landing on Saturday, May 4, 2013.
Fifteen thousand rubber ducks are poured into the Cape Fear River from the Person Street Bridge for the Fayetteville Duck Derby at Campbellton Landing on Saturday, May 4, 2013.
Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez, The Fayetteville Observer
The new bridges over the Cape Fear River in Lillington are now open to traffic, Aug. 21, 2013. The nearly $6 million project was delayed by rain this summer and caused traffic problems in the area, but now traffic is flowing smoothly.
The new bridges over the Cape Fear River in Lillington are now open to traffic, Aug. 21, 2013. The nearly $6 million project was delayed by rain this summer and caused traffic problems in the area, but now traffic is flowing smoothly.
Raul R. Rubiera, The Fayetteville Observer
Construction work on the U.S. 301 bridge over the Cape Fear River on Oct. 1, 2013.
Construction work on the U.S. 301 bridge over the Cape Fear River on Oct. 1, 2013.
James Robinson, The Fayetteville Observer
Captain A.J. Bass steers his boat toward "Sugarloaf", a sand bar on the Cape Fear River south of Elizabethtown Saturday July 12, 2014. People often camp and fish at the site.
Captain A.J. Bass steers his boat toward "Sugarloaf", a sand bar on the Cape Fear River south of Elizabethtown Saturday July 12, 2014. People often camp and fish at the site.
Johnny Horne, The Fayetteville Observer
Fayetteville Cumberland County Parks and Recreation Director Michael Gibson looks up at the new Eastern Blvd. bridge over the Cape Fear River during a boat ride on the river Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014. A committee of the City Council took a river tour on Thursday morning, as city officials take a fresh look at trying to develop the Cape Fear River and maybe build a park on it.
Fayetteville Cumberland County Parks and Recreation Director Michael Gibson looks up at the new Eastern Blvd. bridge over the Cape Fear River during a boat ride on the river Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014. A committee of the City Council took a river tour on Thursday morning, as city officials take a fresh look at trying to develop the Cape Fear River and maybe build a park on it.
Johnny Horne, The Fayetteville Observer
City councilman Mitch Colvin and deputy city manager Rochelle Small-Toney enjoy the scenery on a boat ride on the Cape Fear River Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014. A committee of the City Council took a river tour on Thursday morning, as city officials take a fresh look at trying to develop the Cape Fear River and maybe build a park on it.
City councilman Mitch Colvin and deputy city manager Rochelle Small-Toney enjoy the scenery on a boat ride on the Cape Fear River Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014. A committee of the City Council took a river tour on Thursday morning, as city officials take a fresh look at trying to develop the Cape Fear River and maybe build a park on it.
Johnny Horne, The Fayetteville Observer
The Cape Fear River on Sunday, May 24, 2015, in Fayetteville, N. C.
The Cape Fear River on Sunday, May 24, 2015, in Fayetteville, N. C.
Mischa Lopiano, The Fayetteville Observer
Rick Mears fishes from his kayak on the Cape Fear River, Monday, June 8, 2015.
Rick Mears fishes from his kayak on the Cape Fear River, Monday, June 8, 2015.
Cindy Burnham, The Fayetteville Observer
A dump truck passes overhead on the U.S. 401 bridge in Lillington as a group of tubers from Cape Fear River Adventures passes underneath Thursday, July 9, 2015. . Cape Fear River Adventures in Lillington offers kayaks, tubes and canoes for rent
A dump truck passes overhead on the U.S. 401 bridge in Lillington as a group of tubers from Cape Fear River Adventures passes underneath Thursday, July 9, 2015. . Cape Fear River Adventures in Lillington offers kayaks, tubes and canoes for rent
Johnny Horne, The Fayetteville Observer
Guide Jake Swinson guides the Coley family on a kayak eco-tour of the Cape Fear River Wednesday, July 23, 2015, at Carolina Beach State Park.
Guide Jake Swinson guides the Coley family on a kayak eco-tour of the Cape Fear River Wednesday, July 23, 2015, at Carolina Beach State Park.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
Campbellton Landing amphitheater is surrounded by the waters of the Cape Fear River. Even though Fayetteville received very little rain on Saturday, the river was still unusually high on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015.
Campbellton Landing amphitheater is surrounded by the waters of the Cape Fear River. Even though Fayetteville received very little rain on Saturday, the river was still unusually high on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015.
Raul R. Rubiera, The Fayetteville Observer
Mr. Willie James Robinson came to Fayetteville on vacation from New Jersey to fish on the Cape Fear River. He uses french fries to catch catfish on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.
Mr. Willie James Robinson came to Fayetteville on vacation from New Jersey to fish on the Cape Fear River. He uses french fries to catch catfish on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.
Michelle Bir, The Fayetteville Observer
The Cape Fear River continues to rise up to the train trestle and Person St. Bridge on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.
The Cape Fear River continues to rise up to the train trestle and Person St. Bridge on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.
Raul F. Rubiera, The Fayetteville Observer
Pedestrians gather on Person Street bridge to take pictures of a swollen Cape Fear River on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.
Pedestrians gather on Person Street bridge to take pictures of a swollen Cape Fear River on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
Pedestrians gather on Person Street bridge to take pictures of a swollen Cape Fear River on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.
Pedestrians gather on Person Street bridge to take pictures of a swollen Cape Fear River on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
Mayor Mitch Colvin and Fayetteville Police Chief Gina Hawkins speak with a reporter on the Person Street bridge as the waters on the Cape Fear River slowly rise on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.
Mayor Mitch Colvin and Fayetteville Police Chief Gina Hawkins speak with a reporter on the Person Street bridge as the waters on the Cape Fear River slowly rise on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
Debris builds up on the train trestle near the Person Street bridge as the water on the Cape Fear River continues to rise on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.
Debris builds up on the train trestle near the Person Street bridge as the water on the Cape Fear River continues to rise on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
First responders return to the boat launch for a briefing before heading back onto the Cape Fear River on Friday, July 10, 2020. Emergency personnel are searching for one or two vehicles that witnesses said collided on Interstate 95 and went over the bridge railing into the river.
First responders return to the boat launch for a briefing before heading back onto the Cape Fear River on Friday, July 10, 2020. Emergency personnel are searching for one or two vehicles that witnesses said collided on Interstate 95 and went over the bridge railing into the river.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
First responders search the Cape Fear River on Friday, July 10, 2020. Emergency personnel are searching for one or two vehicles that witnesses said collided on Interstate 95 and went over the bridge railing into the river.
First responders search the Cape Fear River on Friday, July 10, 2020. Emergency personnel are searching for one or two vehicles that witnesses said collided on Interstate 95 and went over the bridge railing into the river.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer
The Cape Fear River seen from the Cape Fear River Trail on Tuesday, August 11, 2020.
The Cape Fear River seen from the Cape Fear River Trail on Tuesday, August 11, 2020.
Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer