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Leland:
In the mid 1890’s at the crossroads where the Village Road crossed the Wilmington, Columbia, and Augusta Railroad (on the way towards Summerville and Phoenix) there existed a settlement. The name of this settlement became formalized when, in late 1897, Mr. Joseph W. Gay and other area citizens petitioned the U.S. Post Office Department in Washington D.C., for a local Post Office. A list of three names was submitted at this time so that the Post Office Department might have a name from which to choose. The name of Leland was chosen. Leland was the name of Mr. Gay’s nephew, Leland Adams. The new Post Office opened on February 10, 1898, with Mr. Joseph Gay as Postmaster. The Post Office was located in a corner of Gay’s General Store.
The Leland area was initially settled at the same time the earliest plantations along the Cape Fear and Brunswick Rivers came into existence. Early activity revolved around the Post Office, the school, two grocery stores, the railroad station, Leland Baptist Church, and Leland Methodist Church, and numerous homes. For many years Leland was one of numerous small unincorporated communities throughout Brunswick Country which served as minor centers of trade throughout the early 20th century.
Due to its location adjacent to the Brunswick River, Leland also served as an early transportation center. By modern standards the early roads in area were primitive. There were ferries in place across the Brunswick River and across the Cape Fear River for travelers going north and south. The Brunswick River actually received a bridge in 1890 before the Cape Fear River. The Brunswick River causeway, across Eagles Island, was always knows as a problem area because of the wetness of the soil and swamps between the two Rivers. By 1923 the road from Brunswick River through Leland had been hard surfaced and was known as State Road #20. Two churches (Woodburn Presbyterian and Woodburn Baptist) were named after the Woodburn family, which was a later subdivision of the Belvidere Plantation (home of William Dry and Governor Benjamin Smith). The Belvidere Subdivision forms the nucleus of what is now the incorporated Town of Leland.
The Town of Leland is located in the northern area of Brunswick County and was incorporated in 1989. The natural boundaries of the Town include the Brunswick River to the east and Sturgeon Creek to the South.
Boiling Spring Lakes:
Boiling Spring Lakes derives its name from the boiling spring that flows with an incredibly pure stream of water. The city's centerpiece, the 150-acre "Big Lake", is just one of more than 50 natural and man-made lakes in the city. The "Big Lake" is fed by five springs and Allen's Creek, and is 2-1/2 miles long with 10 miles of shoreline.
In 1961, the developers of Boiling Spring Lakes happened upon a gushing spring concealed in a wooded ravine. Wishing to beautify the area, a 4-foot high brick wall was built to encompass this natural phenomenon. Almost before the masons had completed their work, the spring suddenly stopped running. Within a few hours, it burst out in a free full flow some 15 feet outside the wall.
When the 3-foot wall enclosing the Spring was built, the weight of the water in the enclosed area resulted in a back pressure against the Spring so it moved to an easier release point (downstream). Over time the wall broke allowing the impounded water to flow (escape). With a lower water level in this area (less back pressure), the spring returned to its former location, and it boils today.
Many years ago, the spring was known as Bouncing Log Spring, inasmuch as a large chunk of petrified wood was tossed and churned in the water gushing up from the ground. Eventually, there was no longer a log being bounced around by the upward thrust of groundwater, and the name was changed to the Boiling Spring. State geologists have calculated that the spring discharges approximately 43 million gallons of water each day.
The entire area seems enchanted with tall pines, oaks, and sweet gums hovering over the spring. In the early spring, damsel flies of red, green, and blue dart about the area and butterflies of all colors and descriptions flutter in the thickets. Legend has it that long ago, Indians would camp around the spring and hold their council meetings at this site on their annual trek to the Atlantic Ocean for oysters, fish, and game. They always drank from the spring, believing whomever drank from the spring would always return.
Bald Head Island:
Bald Head Island rests approximately two miles from the North Carolina coast near the charming city of Southport. This secluded paradise is accessibly only by passenger ferry or private boat. Absent from Bald Head Island are automobiles, crowded beaches, and high rises. Instead, long stretches of sand, beautiful marshland, and an enormous maritime forest wait patiently for discovery. Not merely a place, Bald Head Island is an experience that creates distinctive impressions upon its guests, lasting memories that urge them to return year after year.
Oak Island:
Wind swept live oaks and yaupon trees grace the beach community of Oak Island, North Carolina. Oak Island offers a ten mile stretch of southern facing ocean beach with quiet surf and moderate tides.
Golfers enjoy the ocean breezes while golfing at an eighteen hole course within walking distance of the beach. Fishermen enjoy fishing from the piers, surf fishing, or deep sea fishing. People come from all over to fish the Southport and Oak Island King Mackerel fishing tournament each year (usually in October).
At many local restaurants, seafood is king, but there is a lot of variety for most any pallet. If you like to cook, fresh seafood can be found in local markets. Oak Island is known for fresh Blue Crab and North Carolina Shrimp.
Caswell Beach:
Caswell Beach was named after historic Fort Caswell which is located at the top of the island. Caswell Beach is home to the brightest lighthouse in the United States located near the Oak Island Coast Guard Station. The picturesque black, white, and gray striped Oak Island Lighthouse was built in 1958 and stretches 169 feet high.
Deep dunes and sprawling beach cottages line the oceanside, and marsh side cottages on pilings overlook the Cape Fear River Shipping Channel. The only souvenirs available at Caswell Beach are the shells collected on quiet low tide walks along this beautiful shore.
Southport:
Just walking underneath the huge sprawling oak trees that line the avenues leading to beautiful historic homes takes you back to a gentler, friendlier period of time.
The most popular park in Southport is Waterfront Park. From the park you can watch large transoceanic ships from every country pass on their way up the Cape Fear River to the State Ports, creating remarkable photographic opportunities. Southport is so photogenic that a number of motion pictures and TV films have been made here.
The many antique and fine shops along Howe and Moore Streets give visitors a chance to walk and browse at their leisure. Also, be sure to walk along the Southport Riverwalk and visit the shops around the Yacht Basin and near the Marina. Enjoy Southport's historic sites, the Southport Maritime Museum, wonderfully diverse restaurants, art galleries and relaxing parks.
Finally, take time to enjoy wonderful local food at the many restaurants around town and pick up some fresh seafood from the fish houses along the Yacht Basin.
The relaxed atmosphere and gentle hospitality are remembered by all who spend time here. Southport and Oak Island are just a great place to get away from it all. Holden Beach:
Welcome to the Town of Holden Beach, nationally recognized as one of the premier "Family Beaches" in the United States. Holden Beach is proud of what we do not have. We are primarily a residential community, with a small commercial area. Holden Beach is a great place to relax, enjoy the beach and the natural wildlife that surrounds us. Come and enjoy paradise.
Shallotte:
The Town of Shallotte was incorporated on March 6, 1899. Prior settlement of the area dated back to around 1750 with an earlier reference to the River and the Town as early as 1734. In the early years, residents relied on agriculture, fishing and a bustling waterfront full of flatboats, rafts, and other small watercrafts used to transport goods to and from this rural part of Brunswick County. According to some accounts, the Town received its name from a traveler who crossed the river by ferry and referred to the river as "Charlotte" River. The Charlotte River later took on the name of the Shallotte River. The Town was later called Shallotte.
Today, the Town is commonly referred to as the "commerical hub" of Brunswick County. Shallotte is centered almost directly between Wilmington, North Carolina and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with the commute to either city being roughly 30 to 40 minutes. If the Brunswick County Beaches are your destination, Shallotte is approximately 10 minutes from Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach. The Town consists of approximately 1,600 residents. While Shallotte is still considered a small Town, it has a lot of amenities that larger cities provide.
The Town is a wonderful place to live, work and shop.
Ocean Isle Beach:
Ocean Isle Beach is one of the southernmost of North Carolina's unique barrier islands. Miles and miles of powder white sand, sun-danced waves, and windswept marshlands make our community one of the loveliest places on the earth.
In contrast to other resort areas along the southeastern coast, Ocean Isle has chosen to avoid the everyday hustle and bustle. Instead, this resort island has sustained a family beach atmosphere and has proudly kept itself on a low-key, low-rise course. It's the perfect place for vacationers who want to relax and enjoy a quiet, refreshing time.
Ocean Isle Beach lies between the historic port of Wilmington, N.C. and the tourist attractions of Myrtle Beach, S.C.. Although Ocean Isle Beach has grown and developed over the years, it has maintained its relaxed and leisurely charm.
Sunset Beach:
Welcome to the most beautiful 3 miles of coastline in North Carolina. Established at the southernmost tip of the state, Sunset Beach is the smallest and quietest of three barrier islands which together, make up the modestly famed South Brunswick Islands.
An uncommon coastal scene, this small sequestered island is crowned with a naturally wide, gently sloping, white sandy beach and a shroud of undisturbed sand dunes.This unadulterated setting is a natural habitat and nesting ground for the abundant coastal wildlife, including the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle.
The Township of Sunset Beach is actually comprised of much more than the island alone. Several square miles of mainland offer a variety of necessities, amusements,and educational activities. Residents and visitors frequent the many in-town shopping centers,golf courses and dining spots and find comfort in the security of first-rate local medical facilities.Cultural,spiritual, and educational activities are all within immediate reach, including a modern planetarium and miles of paved trailway.
As a local force of government, the Town of Sunset Beach is dedicated to preserving the small-town character of our community. Our fundamental goal is to preserve the tranquility of our coastal environment--which has become the basis for visiting and living in Sunset Beach--while improving the overall quality of life through controlled and orderly growth.
Calabash:
The Town of Calabash is located in Brunswick County on the southeastern coast of North Carolina and is the southern most city in North Carolina. It is 25 miles north of Myrtle Beach, SC and 50 miles south of Wilmington,NC.
Primarily a fishing village, with shrimp boats docking daily during the season selling shrimp on the dock. Charter boats for yours and deep sea fishing are also available.
The town is famous for its "Calabash Seafood". This type of flavoring originated there and is unique. Many have tried to duplicate, but only Calabash offers the authentic style. |