Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, is a beautiful coastal town located in the barrier islands in Brunswick County. Known for its pristine beaches, picturesque sunsets, and small-town charm, this community has a fascinating history that dates back to the early 20th century. In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into Ocean Isle Beach’s history, exploring its early beginnings, development, natural disasters, and modern times.
Early Beginnings
The earliest settlers of Ocean Isle Beach (and the rest of southeastern North Carolina) were farmers who used the island for agriculture. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the island was primarily used for livestock grazing and growing crops like corn, beans, and sweet potatoes. The island was accessible only by boat, and the farmers would often travel to the mainland to sell their crops and livestock.
A Small Town is Forged on the Idea of a Family-Friendly Beach
In the 1930s, a group of developers began to recognize the potential of the island as a resort community, as they scoured the Atlantic Coast for a place to build and develop.
One of those developers, Odell Williamson, took a particular interest in the breathtakingly beautiful area where the Intracoastal Waterway met the Atlantic Ocean.
Prior to 1949, this beach was called Hale Beach, named after Hale Swamp near here. Hale Beach was divided into three separate beaches – Little Beach on the east end, Gause’s Beach in the center, and Brooks Beach on the west end.
Odell saw the potential for Hale Beach and after a successful run for the North Carolina legislature, Odell began purchasing tracts of land from the proud, resilient local farm families who’d resided there for generations.
From his position and relationships in the legislature, Odell Williamson was able to spearhead the development of Brunswick County and his Hale Beach development project, and over the first two years things began to take shape.
After some careful consideration, in 1949 Odell and wife Virginia Williamson began brainstorming a name for their new little, beautiful town. In the end, wife Virginia gave their little slice of heaven its name: Ocean Isle Beach.
And by the turn of 1950, things were really beginning to take off, literally. That year Odell built a landing strip on the eastern end of Ocean Isle, making trips back and forth to Raleigh and Charleston for business and his position in the legislature much more manageable.
The same year, the same spot nearby on the east end of the island Odell Williamson and partner Manlon Gore built a four car ferry, making the island much more accessible to tourists and development. Today the path to and from the ferry landing is known as Shallotte Boulevard.
Quickly thereafter, the partners started building beach cottages, hotels, and other amenities in Ocean Isle Beach and quickly the word spread about this heavenly little beach at the southern end of North Carolina.
The ferry operated until 1959 when a swinging high rise bridge was completed that year across the Intracoastal Waterway. They built a bridge to connect Ocean Isle Beach to the nearby highway, making it more accessible to visitors.
Ocean Isle Beach Growth
During the 1950s and 1960s, Ocean Isle Beach experienced rapid growth and development. The island’s first hotel, the Ocean Isle Inn, was built in the 1950s, and along with the Ocean Isle Fishing Pier, more hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities soon followed.
In 1959 a swing bridge was built across the Inland Waterway, replacing the original four car ferry, and as the popularity of the island grew, so did the number of permanent residents. Many families decided to make Ocean Isle Beach their permanent home, and the island’s population began to increase.
Ocean Isle was officially incorporated in 1959, and Odell Williamson was elected its first mayor that same year, and soon thereafter in 1961, Ocean Isle’s first city hall was completed.
In 1960, the island’s first golf course, the Ocean Isle Beach Golf Course, was constructed, adding another attraction for visitors.
Hurricane Hazel
On October 15, 1954, Hurricane Hazel, one of the most devastating storms to hit the East Coast, struck Ocean Isle Beach. Hazel destroyed Ocean Isle Beach and laid extensive damage to the island, destroying 39 of the 41 homes on the island, making it the worst hurricane that had ever destroyed a North Carolina municipality at that time.
Though the hurricane was no less a disaster, luckily, there were only ten permanent residents living on the island at the time of the hurricane: the Register and McLamb families. Also on the island were six visitors from Highpoint, NC vacationing on the island.
As Hurricane Hazel crept closer, the McLamb family decided it’d be safer inland. The remainder, including Odell’s sister Madeline Register, her husband, and her children, who all chose to stay and ride out the hurricane by staying put.
When the storm hit the island, the Register family headed for the top of Gause’s Hill, the highest point on Ocean Isle. That decision would be deadly.
When Hurricane Hazel left, she took with her the top half of Gause’s Hill, the lives of all six visitors from Highpoint, and three of the Register family: Sherman, Buddy, and Odell’s beloved sister Madeline–whose body was never recovered.
But it was only by the grace of god that two Register children, Sonya and Bucky, were safe after the hurricane had passed. The two were the lone survivors of the storm of those who hadn’t evacuated the island.
If the seasonal population would have been present during Hurricane Hazel, who knows how many untold deaths and casualties might have occurred.
In the aftermath of the hurricane, the people of Ocean Isle Beach came together to rebuild their community. The residents worked tirelessly to restore their homes and businesses, and the Ocean Isle Beach continued to grow and develop.
Despite the destruction caused by the storm, the community’s resilience and determination ensured that Ocean Isle Beach continued to thrive.
Modern Times
Today, Ocean Isle Beach is a vibrant and welcoming community that attracts visitors from all over the world. The island’s natural beauty, excellent restaurants, and wide range of activities make it a popular destination for families, couples, and retirees.
Over the years, the history of Ocean Isle has become legendary, as the community has grown and developed. New homes, businesses, and recreational facilities have been built, and the island has become a year-round destination. Despite the changes, however, Ocean Isle Beach has managed to maintain its small-town feel and charm.
Secret Riviera of the South
Ocean Isle Beach’s history is a fascinating story that tells of one man’s dream, a community’s resilience, the power of the Atlantic Ocean, and the determination of the pioneer spirit. From its early beginnings as an agricultural island to the popular family tourist destination it is today, Ocean Isle Beach has come a long way.
Over the years Ocean Isle Beach has weathered natural disasters, experienced rapid growth and development, and has continued to thrive as a welcoming community. Despite the challenges it has faced, Ocean Isle Beach remains a beautiful and vibrant town with a rich history and a bright future.
Now you’ve spent a little time in Ocean Isle Beach’s memories, it’s time to go make some of your own. Book the perfect vacation stay for you and yours with Coastaway today. With an unparalleled portfolio of vacation homes, we’re certain you’ll find the perfect vacation rental for the perfect Ocean Isle Beach vacation.
