Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Documents, 1962-1969

This collection contains correspondence and other documents associated with Cyrus Hogue's involvement in advocating for a new bridge crossing over the Cape Fear River in Wilmington. After decades of campaigning by local citizens, the Wilmington bridge project finally came to fruition with the completion of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge in 1969. Hogue, a local Wilmington lawyer and Chairman of the Democratic Party, was instrumental in working the State Highway Commission and Governor Terry Sanford to move the project forward. Primary correspondents in these papers include Merrill Evans, Chairman of the North Carolina State Highway Commission, Lauch Faircloth, State Highway Commission appointee who represented the southeast North Carolina district, and Governor Terry Sanford. Other prominent names include Willard (Bill) F. Babcock, North Carolina State Highway Director, O.O. Allsbrook, Mayor of Wilmington, and Hugh Morton, well known photographer and owner of Grandfather Mountain.

The correspondence in this collection documents Hogue's efforts to ensure that the Wilmington bridge project remained relavent with state officials and funded during Governor Terry Sanford's administration. Other documents in the collection detail the issues that Wilmington faced over decades as both roadway and shipping channel traffic increased in and out of the Port City. These materials make note of the various bridge plans considered at the time including a high-level bridge, a north bridge, and mid-level draw span bridge.

Hogue's correspondence with Lauch Faircloth, who later successfully ran for U.S. Senate, provides insight into his involvement in other topics of local interest- most notably, Wilmington College. Included among these papers are copies of letters sent by Governor Terry Sanford to Wilmington College Board of Trustees appointees as well as individuals who did not receive reappointment.

The materials range in date from 1962-1969.