(NC 906) either planned for or under development, the largest of which was the ill-fated Seawatch complex (1738 of the planned 4171 lots are in Oak Island). [29] Oak Island Lighthouse Tours of the Oak Island Lighthouse can be scheduled year round, with trips to the top available by appointment given two weeks advance notice (four weeks in the summer months). Grass-covered sand dunes 10 to 20 feet high simply disappeared during the storm on Oak Island, a … [21] Two public fishing piers jut out into the Atlantic Ocean[22][23] while motor/sail boats moored to piers dot the ICW as well as the Davis Canal and Montgomery Slough. [17] In 1962 the first 9 holes of the Oak Island Golf Club designed by George Cobb opened for play. Oak Island Beach NC Luckily the island recovered, and began building anew, with the towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach being incorporated into the main town of "Oak Island," (although many long term vacationers and communities still reference the Long Beach or Yaupon Beach regions.) For full information on the Pier Complex, contact the Pier House at 910-933-6161, or email okipier@ci.oak-island.nc.us. Primarily a family beach type locale, the island also provides many other types of recreational activity. Originally built more than 65 years ago, the Pier was rebuilt and reopened in 2019. Data includes direct hits and indirect hits for Southport, Oak Island and Bald Head Island. The Council is Oak Island’s governing body and consists of five Commissioners and the Mayor. [28], As of 2017, the Census Bureau estimated 7,789 people lived in the town, roughly a 14% increase from 2010. Founded during the 1700s, Southport is a charming old city overlooking North Carolina's Cape Fear River. Oak Island Lighthouse: A Bit of History - See 274 traveler reviews, 178 candid photos, and great deals for Oak Island, NC, at Tripadvisor. Dredged from Southport, North Carolina at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, the ICW flows west through coastal sounds and marshes to the Little River in South Carolina. That same year, the town's estimated population by age is as shown in the chart below. The Oak Island light is located on property that has been in use as a US Coast Guard station since the 1930s, and prior to that it was a US Lifesaving Station. [21] More recently, in October 2016, the eye of Hurricane Matthew passed almost directly over the island inflicting significant damage to the dune system,[22] and in September 2018, Hurricane Florence caused severe flooding and wind damage in addition to washing away most of the beach sand added earlier in the year.[23]. Rain occurs throughout the year with average annual rainfall approximately 57", 45% of this falling between June and September. 1. [15] More recently, in October 2016, the eye of Hurricane Matthew passed almost directly over the town inflicting extensive damage to the dune system,[16] and in September 2018, Hurricane Florence caused severe flooding and wind damage in addition to washing away large amounts of beach sand. Located on the east end of the island, in 2004 the Town of Caswell Beach acquired it and in 2007 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. [24] Two public fishing piers jut out into the Atlantic Ocean[25][26] while motor/sail boats moored to piers dot the ICW as well as the Davis Canal and Montgomery Slough. [6], In the early 1800s, in recognition of the dangers to navigation caused by Frying Pan Shoals, Jay Bird Shoals, and Bald Head Shoals,[7] which lay south and southeast of the island, construction of a series of lighthouses and life saving stations in the area began. Nearby attractions include Southport, Bald Head Island, Battleship NC, and the Fort Fisher Aquarium and State Historic Site. (NC 211), the most prominent one being Midway Commons Shopping Center. 604. current Coast Guard station was recently reconstructed after a fire completely destroyed the ten-year-old building in 2002. [17], In the early morning hours of August 4, 2020, Hurricane Isaias hit Oak Island as a Category 1 hurricane; the storm surge was around 9 feet, increased by a corresponding high tide. [30] Monthly Civil War Roundtables are held at the Hatch Auditorium in the NC Baptist Assembly while the Oak Island Library hosts a wide variety of events to include "Socrates Cafe" and "Meet the Author" programs. Data includes direct hits and indirect hits for Southport, Oak Island and Bald Head Island. 47 F Wilmington International Airport Station | Report. Do you love Oak Island, North Carolina? The town’s racial makeup was 97% White, 0.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 2% Hispanic or Latino and 0.2% from two or more races. St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church. Share: See Historical Weather Data for a Location and Date. Rain occurs throughout the year with average annual rainfall approximately 57", 45% of this falling between June and September. Primarily a family beach type locale, the island also provides many other types of recreational activity. [19] Town Hall is collocated in the center of the island with the Oak Island Police Department, while units of the Oak Island Fire Department and Brunswick County EMS are deployed in various areas of the Town to respond to emergencies[20], On the island there is a contract post office, a branch of the county library, Publix and Food Lion Supermarkets, an ABC Liquor Store, a few gas stations, numerous small professional offices/retail stores, and a large number of restaurants. Mailing Address: PO Box 10180 Southport, NC 28461 Oak Island, on which much of the town sits, has been inhabited since the early 19th century when Fort Caswell was constructed on its east end in 1838. Cape Fear Yacht Club 4791 Fish Factory Road Oak Island, NC 28465 . Ocean water temperatures range from the 50s to the mid 80s. Popular sporting events include the "Run Oak Island" Marathon held in February which also features a half-marathon along with a 5K and one mile run. Below, please find the names, dates and intensity of all hurricanes and tropical storms that have impacted the Southport, North Carolina area since 1950. Roughly 30 miles south of Wilmington, North Carolina, Oak Island is the easternmost of the South Brunswick Islands formed in the late 1930s by the construction of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). The island is located 200 metres (660 feet) from shore and connected to the mainland by a causeway and gate. When the ICW was completed, a swingbridge initially provided this service. A Little History Considering North Carolina's history, Oak Island was only recently discovered. Oak Island, on which much of the town sits, has been inhabited since the early 19th century when Fort Caswell was constructed on its east end in 1838. All these waterways also attract a large number of kayakers. The Oak Island Golf course and its related practice facilities are open to the public and an outdoor swimming pool is available for its members' use during the summer. Introduction to Oak Island, North Carolina. 63.8 miles from Oak Island, NC This plantation's history dates back to 1740, and its most famous ghost is Dr. Henry Tucker, a member of one of the last families to own the plantation in the late 1800s. Oak Island is a 57-hectare (140-acre) privately owned island in Lunenburg County on the south shore of Nova Scotia, Canada.The tree-covered island is one of about 360 small islands in Mahone Bay and rises to a maximum of 11 metres (36 feet) above sea level. History of Oak Island, NC has 3,293 members. Elevations range from sea level to a 50' high knoll on the west end of the island. [26] And then in April, the Southport/Oak Island Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Oak Island Lighthouse Run which includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K and a one mile fun run. (NC 133) to include the Cape Fear Regional Jetport, and South Harbour Village with its nine hole golf course and marina. [12] Since then, two similar projects have been completed along with other, smaller efforts, e.g two Sea Turtle Habitat Restoration Projects. In 1938 it was sold to a private owner and moved directly across the road from its original location near where the current lighthouse stands. When the ICW was completed in the late 1930s, a swingbridge initially provided this service. The actual operation of the town's government is accomplished by the Town Manager who is hired by the Council. [19], Summers on Oak Island are hot and humid with an average temperature of 85˚, although the beach front is cooled much of the time by sea breezes (the prevailing winds are from the southwest). Contiguous to Fort Caswell which dates from 1825, Caswell Beach was incorporated as a town in 1975; both were named for Richard Caswell, 1st & 5th Governor of North Carolina. [25] Popular sporting events include the "Run Oak Island" Marathon held in February which also features a half-marathon along with a 5K and one mile run. Family trip to Oak Island North Carolina to visit mom on her 79th birthday. The Oak Island Recreation Center located mid-island provides both indoor and outdoor exercise facilities and rents out sports equipment and amenities like balloon tire, beach wheelchairs. Part of Brunswick County, the major portion of the town is on Oak Island which it shares with Caswell Beach. Zillow has 197 homes for sale in Oak Island NC. Additions to the town in the 20 years since it was formed in 1999 located on the mainland consist of the following:[9], •Property on both sides of Long Beach Rd. Are you interested in its history? The History of Ocean Isle Beach From Prehistory to Today: Fred David, Vern Bender: Donning Company: Available at Amazon.com. Oak Island, NC Weather History star_ratehome. [10] The island quickly recovered and development continued anew with the towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach being incorporated in 1955; in 1999 they were jointly incorporated into the Town of Oak Island. Dredged from Southport, North Carolina at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, the ICW flows west through coastal sounds and marshes to the Little Riverin South Carolina. [14] One such group, familiarly known as the Oak Island Crabbies,[15] is currently heading the Brunswick County effort opposing seismic testing and off shore drilling as proposed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).[16]. In the succeeding weeks, a mandatory evacuation order and damage to rental properties prevented tourism, which is a major source of income for many residents. The History of Ocean Isle Beach From Prehistory to Today: Fred David, Vern Bender: Donning Company: Available at Amazon.com. Do you love Oak Island, North Carolina? [11], Beach erosion has been a continuing problem for the island, with the first major success in restoration, the 2001 sand deposition on the east end of the island using material dredged from the Wilmington Harbor Channel. 2014: The Historic Architecture of Brunswick County, North Carolina Approximately 7000 people live on it year-round, a number which can balloon to over 40,000 during the summer[1], Roughly 30 miles south of Wilmington, North Carolina, Oak Island is the easternmost of the South Brunswick Islands formed in the late 1930s by the construction of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). The town is part of the Wilmington metropolitan statistical area. Report Station. The lure of Oak Island seized Robert’s imagination much to Mildred’s chagrin and they moved to Oak Island, lock ,stock and barrel and family late in the 1950’s. [7] In 1999, Long Beach and Yaupon Beach, decided to consolidate into the Town of Oak Island, and while Caswell Beach considered the matter, it opted to stay independent. Beaches. In 1954, Hurricane Hazel struck, leaving only five buildings standing on the west end of the island[5] The island recovered quickly however, and the towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach were incorporated in 1955. Nearby Weather Stations. Visitors will find an easy-to-get-to beach paradise at Oak Island, an expansive but peaceful retreat that's located an easy drive away from Wilmington, Southport, and other inland North Carolina communities.Both the main town and the island itself share the name of "Oak Island," and while the town extends slightly inland, encompassing the Cape Fear Regional Jetport, the rest of the … History. [27] The island itself is marked by the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) to the north. Along with this increasing level of development came strident demands for a reliable crossing of the ICW to provide access to the island. He was convinced that the treasure was soon within his grasp the day he idly checked the twenty seven foot deep shaft just before the couple were to head for Halifax for the day. [10] According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 19.9 square miles (51.6 km2). The island developed slowly, but by the late 1930s it began attracting people from nearby Southport with fox hunting popular in the areas along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Oak Island, NC Weather History star_ratehome. [28] And then in April, the Southport/Oak Island Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Oak Island Lighthouse Run which includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K and a one mile fun run. In 1958, the Oak Island Lighthouse became operational. The 1812 lighthouse is seasonally open for visitors who want to climb to the top, and the mid-19 th century keeper’s quarters has been transformed into a museum that’s filled with artifacts, photos, and memorabilia that outlines the lighthouse’s history. Oak Island is located on the Atlantic Ocean coast in Brunswick County, North Carolina near the South Carolina border. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. In recent years the town expanded its limits to include the commercial district along N.C. 133 approaching the Oak Island Bridge as well as a section of NC 211 where the recently completed second bridge to Oak Island at Middleton Avenue and its connecting road intersect with N.C… View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. From Civil War battlefields and historical sites to the USS North Carolina, you’ll find yourself in a history buff’s dream destination! [27] As for other activities, the town puts on an ocean front fireworks display as part of its Fourth of July festivities, and a parade down Oak Island Drive just before Christmas, while the Oak Island Library hosts a wide variety of events to include "Socrates Cafe" and "Meet the Author" programs. Oak Island Beach. Destroyed by a barge strike in 1971, construction of a high rise replacement (Barbee Bridge) began almost immediately; it opened for traffic in 1975 (interim service included a ferry and pontoon bridge). 100 Caswell Beach Rd. For the island, see, Seaside town in North Carolina, United States, Location within the state of North Carolina, Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oak_Island,_North_Carolina&oldid=1001421590, Towns in Brunswick County, North Carolina, Landforms of Brunswick County, North Carolina, Populated coastal places in North Carolina, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 19 January 2021, at 16:29. Both ends of Oak Island have extensive marshland, while its two major internal waterways (Davis Canal and Montgomery Slough) run east to west and drain into the Lockwood Folly River. Still standing today, this building features a large lookout tower projecting from its roof. Of course, several Native American tribes lived, hunted, fished and traded along the North Carolina coast. Zillow has 197 homes for sale in Oak Island NC. 18.5 square miles (48.0 km2) of it is land and 1.4 square miles (3.6 km2) of it (7.02%) is water. In 1954, Hurricane Hazel struck, leaving only five buildings standing on the west end of the island The island recovered quickly however, and the towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beachwere in… [9], Oak Island is located in southeastern Brunswick County at 33°54′59″N 78°7′50″W / 33.91639°N 78.13056°W / 33.91639; -78.13056 (33.916262, -78.130468). [9] One of the greatest natural disasters to ever affect the state, Hazel was also one of the most destructive hurricanes to strike the United States. The 1812 lighthouse is seasonally open for visitors who want to climb to the top, and the mid-19 th century keeper’s quarters has been transformed into a museum that’s filled with artifacts, photos, and memorabilia that outlines the lighthouse’s history. 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