Brunswick County, Sc: Size And Scope

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is a pretty big place. It covers 1,049.54 square miles (2,718.3 sq km) in total, of which 850.08 square miles (2,201.7 sq km) is land and 19.00% is water. It's the fourth-largest county in North Carolina by area.

The county is home to ten different communities, each with its own unique character, and six beautiful beaches. It's a popular destination for tourists, with beach communities dotted along the south-facing beaches, and plenty of historic sites that provide a glimpse into the region's Colonial and Civil War history.

Brunswick County, North Carolina

The county has a total area of 1,049.54 square miles (2,718.3 sq km), of which 850.08 square miles (2,201.7 sq km) is land, and 199.46 square miles (516.6 sq km) is water. The Brunswick River and the Cape Fear River provide access to the Atlantic Ocean. The county seat is Bolivia, which has a population of around 150 people. Other towns and communities in the county include Leland, Southport, Bald Head Island, and Oak Island.

Brunswick County is known for its beach communities and tourism, with popular destinations including Bald Head Island and Oak Island. The county also has a rich history, with sites such as Orton Plantation and Gardens, the Bald Head Island Lighthouse, and the Brunswick Inn. The county's agricultural products include tobacco, vegetables, berries, corn, and sweet potatoes, while manufactured products include polyester fibres, children's clothing, and lumber.

The population of Brunswick County as of the 2020 census was 136,693, a significant increase from 73,143 in 2000, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina. The population density in 2000 was 86 people per square mile (33 people/sq km). The racial makeup of the county as of the 2020 census was 86.5% White, 10.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 1.8% identifying with two or more races. 4.9% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

Brunswick County, South Carolina

Brunswick County, located in North Carolina, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and rich history. The county is part of the Wilmington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area and is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. As of the 2020 census, the population of Brunswick County was 136,693, a significant increase from the 2000 census figure of 73,143.

Brunswick County boasts six beautiful beaches spread across five barrier islands, offering a range of activities and attractions to suit different tastes and interests. From resort-style stays to outdoor adventures, the county has something for everyone. The beaches, including Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Caswell Beach, Oak Island, and Bald Head Island, provide ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Bald Head Island, accessible only by ferry or private boat, is known for its unique ecosystem and is home to N.C.'s oldest standing lighthouse, "Old Baldy."

In addition to its beaches, Brunswick County is home to several charming coastal towns, each with its own unique character. These include Leland, Calabash, Carolina Shores, Caswell Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, and Southport, among others. The town of Leland, for example, offers a variety of outdoor activities such as paddling down the Brunswick River and exploring nature trails. Meanwhile, Calabash, known as the "Seafood Capital of the World," is famous for its delicious fried seafood and historic fishing village. Southport, dubbed "America's Happiest Seaside Town," boasts a maritime charm with movie sets and museums to explore.

Brunswick County also has a rich history, dating back to the first settlement in the Carolinas in 1663. The initial settlement, called Charles Town, failed, but a subsequent settlement, Brunswick Town, gave the county its name. The county played a role in both the Colonial and Civil War eras, with sites such as Fort Anderson and Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site providing insights into the region's past.

Overall, Brunswick County, North Carolina, offers a diverse range of experiences, from its stunning beaches and charming towns to its historical sites and thriving tourism industry. It is a popular destination for families, retirees, and those seeking a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration.

Brunswick Town

In the 1730s, Brunswick Town became the political centre of the Cape Fear region and the seat of New Hanover County. It was a crucial port for nearby Wilmington as the Cape Fear River was too shallow near the mouth of Town Creek for large vessels to pass through. However, the town faced challenges due to nearby swamps and the threat of attacks. In 1748, Brunswick Town was attacked by Spanish privateers, and in 1761, it was hit by a destructive hurricane. Despite these setbacks, Brunswick Town became the seat of Brunswick County when it was created in 1764.

Cape Fear River

Brunswick County is located in North Carolina and is the southernmost county in the state. It has a population of 136,693 as of the 2020 census, a notable increase from 73,143 in 2000. The county's growth is largely centred in the eastern section, in the suburbs of Wilmington, such as Leland, Belville, and Southport.

Now, onto the Cape Fear River.

The Cape Fear River

The Cape Fear River is a 191-mile-long (307 km) blackwater river in east-central North Carolina. It is formed by the confluence of the Haw River and the Deep River in the town of Moncure, North Carolina, and flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Fear, from which it derives its name. The river is the largest in the state, with a river basin of 9,149 square miles, and it traverses the North Carolina piedmont and coastal plain.

History

During the colonial era, the Cape Fear River served as a principal transportation route to the interior of North Carolina. Today, it remains navigable as far as Fayetteville through a series of locks and dams. The river has supported robust commerce throughout its history, with the port in Wilmington being a major port on the east coast.

Environmental Concerns

The Cape Fear River is the most industrialized river in North Carolina, lined with power plants, manufacturing plants, wastewater treatment facilities, and industrial agriculture. Consequently, the river is polluted by various substances, including suspended solids and man-made chemicals such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). A 2020 study found the highest concentration of PFAS in Brunswick County's tap water, which is supplied by the Cape Fear River.

Recreation

The Cape Fear River also offers recreational opportunities, with various companies providing river activities such as kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and tubing. The Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington is a popular spot for strolling and taking in the river views, including the docked USS North Carolina Battleship. The river is also an integral part of the Intracoastal Waterway, providing a passage for recreational and small shipping boats.

Bolivia, Brunswick County

Bolivia is a small town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, with a population of around 150 people. It is the county seat, a title previously held by Southport (formerly known as Smithville) until a referendum passed on July 19, 1975, to move the county seat to Bolivia. The town was established in the 1890s and was incorporated in 1911.

The Brunswick County Government Complex is located in Bolivia, at 30 Government Center Drive. The complex includes the Brunswick County Social Services and the Brunswick County Courthouse. The latter is subject to a dress code: no shorts, tank tops, bare feet, or clothing with vulgar language or pictures. Cell phones are also prohibited.

Bolivia, North Carolina, shares its name with a country in South America. It is thought that during the 1880s, there were so many boxes being shipped and stamped from the country of Bolivia that the locals adopted it as the town's name. A post office called Bolivia has been in operation since 1892.

Frequently asked questions