History Of Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Isle Beach is one of four barrier islands located in Brunswick County, North Carolina along the Atlantic Ocean. It is located midway between Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC.

The island became a manmade barrier island when the Intracoastal Waterway was constructed in the mid-30's, and from that point until 1950, the only way to get on the island was by boat. Odell Williamson, who had starting purchasing parts of what is the current island land in the late 40's, built a four car ferry that operated on the east end of the island at Shallotte Blvd.

Development of the island was led by Odell Williamson after he purchased the land. However, Hurricane Hazel in October 1954 set back the initial work when the few island homes that existed at that time were devastated as the storm moved through the area.

But the island survived and prospered under the guidance of the Williamsons and others. The vision always was for a family atmosphere, and that holds even today. The island was incorporated into the Town of Ocean Isle Beach in 1959, and currently has a year-round population of approximately 600. With over 3,000 single family and condos located on the seven mile long island, the seasonal population can peak at over 25,000.

To learn more about Ocean Isle Beach's history, you can purchase the book written by Fred David and Vern Bender at Visit Website.