Oak Island: Brunswick County's Mystery

Oak Island is indeed in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It is a seaside town in the southeastern corner of the state, and it shares its name with the island on which it sits. Oak Island was founded in 1999 through the consolidation of two existing towns, Long Beach and Yaupon Beach, and its main industry is tourism. The island has been inhabited since the early 19th century when Fort Caswell was constructed on its east end in 1838. The town has a permanent population of 8,396, but its summer population swells to near 50,000. Oak Island offers a classic family beach vacation experience with uncrowded beaches, watersports, and a variety of attractions and activities.

Oak Island is in southeastern Brunswick County, North Carolina

The town has a total area of 19.9 square miles, of which 18.5 square miles is land and 1.4 square miles is water. It is bordered to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, to the east by Caswell Beach, to the north by the town of St. James, and to the west by the town of Holden Beach. Oak Island is known for its beaches and waterfront activities, offering more than 60 public access points, two fishing piers, a marina, and multiple boat and kayak ramps.

The climate in Oak Island is hot and humid during the summers, with an average temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate winters with an average temperature in the 50s. Rain occurs throughout the year, with average annual rainfall of approximately 57 inches. The area is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, with several hurricanes causing significant damage to the island in recent years.

Oak Island has a permanent population of 8,396, according to the 2020 census, while its summer population swells to nearly 50,000. The town's economy is largely dependent on tourism, and it offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and shops to cater to visitors. Oak Island provides a nostalgic family beach vacation experience with activities such as bicycling, mini-golf, and fishing.

The town of Oak Island operates under a Council-Manager system, with a governing body consisting of five Commissioners and the Mayor. The council sets policies, enacts ordinances, and adopts the annual budget, while the Town Manager handles the day-to-day operations. Oak Island has seen exponential growth in recent years, with an increase in housing developments, commercial establishments, and population.

Oak Island is a seaside town with a population of 8,396

Oak Island is a seaside town in southeastern Brunswick County, North Carolina. It has a population of 8,396 permanent residents, according to the 2020 census, but its population swells to around 50,000 in the summer. The town is known for its nostalgic, family-oriented beach vacation vibe, with uncrowded beaches, bicycle rides, ice cream parlours, mini-golf, and fishing off the pier. The water is a central attraction, with beachgoers enjoying over 60 public access points, two fishing piers, a marina, and multiple boat and kayak ramps. The town also offers a nature centre, skydiving, shops, and eateries.

Oak Island was founded in 1999 through the consolidation of two existing towns, Long Beach and Yaupon Beach, with Caswell Beach remaining independent. The island has a long history, dating back to the early 19th century when Fort Caswell was constructed on its east end in 1838. The island slowly developed, attracting people from nearby Southport, and becoming popular for fox hunting. In the late 1930s, the completion of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) improved access to the island, initially via a swing bridge. Despite setbacks from hurricanes, including Hazel in 1954, which left only five buildings standing on the west end, the island has grown and developed over the years.

The town of Oak Island covers an area of 19.9 square miles, of which 18.5 square miles is land, and the remaining 1.4 square miles is water. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south, Caswell Beach to the east, the town of St. James to the north, and Holden Beach to the west. The town has a council-manager form of government, with a council consisting of five commissioners and the mayor, who set policies, enact ordinances, and adopt the annual budget. The town manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the town.

Oak Island's main industry is tourism, and it is a popular destination for vacationers seeking a classic beach experience. The town has seen exponential population growth, with a 14% increase in population between 2010 and 2017, according to the Census Bureau. The town's racial makeup, as of 2017, was predominantly White (97%), with small percentages of African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, and individuals of two or more races. The average household size was 2.05 persons, and the median household income was estimated at $57,670.

The island has been inhabited since the early 19th century

Oak Island, located in the southeastern corner of North Carolina, has been inhabited since the early 19th century. The island is part of Brunswick County and shares its name with the town of Oak Island, which was founded in 1999 through the consolidation of two existing towns. The island's main industry is tourism, with a permanent population of 8,396 and a summer population of around 50,000.

The island has been a popular destination for visitors since the early 19th century, attracting tourists with its nostalgic charm and uncrowded beaches. Oak Island's development began slowly after the construction of Fort Caswell on its east end in 1838. The island became more popular in the late 1930s, attracting people from nearby Southport with its fox hunting opportunities along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).

The first major group of settlers arrived in the nearby Chester area from Massachusetts in 1761, and Oak Island was officially surveyed and divided into 32 four-acre lots in 1762. A large part of the island was initially owned by the Monro, Lynch, Seacombe, and Young families, who were granted the land in 1759. In its early days of British settlement, the island was known locally as "Smith's Island," named after an early settler, Edward Smith. However, in 1778, cartographer Joseph Frederick Wallet DesBarres renamed the island "Gloucester Isle." The locally used name "Oak Island" was later officially adopted.

The island has a rich and mysterious history, with legends of buried treasure and historical artefacts attracting treasure hunters for over two centuries. The island's Money Pit is a shaft over 100 feet deep, allegedly discovered by a local teenager in 1795 who noticed an indentation in the ground and began to dig with some friends. They uncovered a man-made shaft featuring wooden platforms every 10 feet down to the 90-foot level. This discovery sparked what is believed to be the world's longest and most expensive treasure hunt, with many companies participating in digs in the early 1800s.

The island's history includes tales of hauntings, eerie lights, and a prediction that no treasure will be found until seven treasure seekers have died trying. So far, six deaths have occurred during excavation attempts. Despite the many theories and efforts to uncover its secrets, the mysteries of Oak Island remain unsolved, continuing to fascinate and intrigue visitors and treasure hunters alike.

Oak Island is a popular tourist destination, with more than 60 beach access points

Oak Island is a privately owned island in Lunenburg County, Canada, and also the name of a town in Brunswick County, North Carolina. This article focuses on the latter.

Oak Island in Brunswick County is a popular tourist destination, with more than 60 beach access points. Located on the southeastern corner of North Carolina, it offers a unique haven for fishermen and those seeking hidden gems. The island is separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway and boasts one of the longest piers on the East Coast. It also offers golfing and fishing opportunities.

Oak Island might be small, but it offers plenty of activities for visitors. Golf enthusiasts can visit the Oak Island Golf Club on Caswell Beach, which offers day passes, family events, and a scenic 18-hole course. For fishing enthusiasts, the main attraction is the Ocean Crest Fishing Pier, one of the most popular and longest piers on the East Coast. Here, anglers can try their luck at catching a variety of fish, including sea bass, fluke, and bluefish.

The island also has a variety of dining options, all locally owned and operated. For seafood lovers, there is Duffer’s Pub & Grille and Island Way, a fine dining restaurant attached to the pier. Those looking for a break from seafood can try Pepperoni Grill at the Beach or Ruby’s Coffeehouse & Eatery for breakfast sandwiches and coffee.

Oak Island has a range of vacation rentals available, from beachfront properties to family-friendly rentals with easy golf course access. The Beach House Motel & Suites is a popular option, offering 22 rooms within walking distance of the beach. For those looking for a longer stay, RentalsattheBeach.com offers apartments, condos, and homes for rent on the island.

With its beautiful beaches, variety of activities, and charming local eateries, Oak Island is a popular destination for those seeking a unique and relaxed beach vacation.

The island has two fishing piers, a marina, and multiple boat and kayak ramps

Oak Island, located in Brunswick County, North Carolina, is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. With over 60 public access points to the water, it's no surprise that the island is a popular destination for those who love to spend time on and in the water.

The island boasts two fishing piers that stretch out into the Atlantic Ocean, providing the perfect spot for anglers to cast their lines. For those who prefer to venture out on a boat, Oak Island has a marina and multiple boat ramps offering easy access to the water. The Blue Water Point Marina is a particularly popular place to launch boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. It offers stunning views of Sheep Island, Horse Island and the Lockwood Folly River.

In addition to the two fishing piers, Oak Island also has multiple kayak ramps, providing easy access for kayakers and canoeists. The Tidalways Park on Davis Canal, located at 3003 E. Oak Island Drive, is a great spot to launch kayaks and canoes. Another popular kayak launch site is the Davis Creek Kayak Dock, located at the Oak Island Recreation Center (113 SE 31st St). This spot offers beautiful scenery and the chance to see birds, fish, and sometimes even deer.

The Point, located on the west side of Oak Island at the end of Kings Lynn Dr, is another excellent location for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, or simply enjoying the beach. It features a large public parking lot, and a sandbar that usually protects the area from waves, making it a calm spot to launch your watercraft.

With its abundance of water access points, Oak Island is the perfect place to enjoy a variety of water sports and activities, from fishing and kayaking to boating and stand-up paddleboarding. So whether you're an experienced angler or a novice kayaker, Oak Island has something for everyone.

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