Supply: A North Carolina Gem In Brunswick County

Supply is a small unincorporated community in Brunswick County, North Carolina. Located around the intersection of US 17 (Ocean Highway) and NC 211 (Southport-Supply Road/Green Swamp Road), Supply is named after the Lockwoods Folly River, which was used as a trade route in the 18th and 19th centuries. The community is situated midway between Bolivia, the county seat of Brunswick County, and the city of Shallotte, just south of the Green Swamp.

Supply is a small unincorporated community in Brunswick County

Supply is situated in the Township of Lockwoods Folly, a minor civil division (MCD) of Brunswick County. It is located midway between Bolivia, the county seat of Brunswick County, and the city of Shallotte, just south of the Green Swamp. Supply is also home to the Brunswick Medical Center.

Brunswick County is the southernmost county in North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 136,693, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. The county's economy is largely built around tourism, with popular beach communities such as Bald Head Island and Oak Island. The county also has a robust film industry, attracting many movies and TV shows due to its proximity to Cinespace Wilmington.

The county was formed in 1764 from parts of Bladen County and New Hanover County. It was named for the colonial port of Brunswick Town, which was itself named for George I, the King of England and Duke of Brunswick. Brunswick County has a total area of 1,049.54 square miles, with the Brunswick River and the Cape Fear River providing access to the Atlantic Ocean.

It is located around the intersection of US 17 and NC 211

Supply, North Carolina, is a small unincorporated community in Brunswick County. It is located around the intersection of US 17 (Ocean Highway) and NC 211 (Southport-Supply Road/Green Swamp Road). Its name is derived from the use of the nearby Lockwoods Folly River as a trade route in the 18th and 19th centuries.

US 17, also known as the Ocean Highway, is a major north-south highway that runs along the East Coast of the United States. It passes through several states, including North Carolina, where it connects various towns and cities. In North Carolina, US 17 passes through the towns of Shallotte and Bolivia, both of which are located near Supply.

NC 211, officially known as North Carolina Highway 211, is a primary state highway in North Carolina. It is approximately 162.5 miles long and traverses mainly through the Sandhills and Coastal Plain regions of the state. NC 211 connects several cities and towns, including Southport, Bolton, Clarkton, Bladenboro, and Lumberton. The highway has undergone several realignments and extensions over the years to improve accessibility and accommodate increasing traffic.

The intersection of US 17 and NC 211 is a significant junction for Supply. It is from this intersection that the community derives its name. Historically, Supply served as a central location where residents from nearby beach communities, such as Holden Beach, Oak Island, and Ocean Isle, would commute to obtain goods and other materials. While developments in nearby areas have reduced the necessity for such travel, Supply remains a pivotal point for trade and commerce in the region.

The area surrounding the intersection offers a mix of residential and commercial establishments. The Brunswick Medical Center is located in Supply, providing healthcare services to the community. Additionally, educational institutions such as Supply Elementary School and Cedar Grove Middle School serve the local student population.

The name 'Supply' comes from the Lockwoods Folly River trade route

Supply is a small unincorporated community in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It is located around the intersection of US 17 (Ocean Highway) and NC 211 (Southport-Supply Road/Green Swamp Road). The name Supply comes from the Lockwoods Folly River trade route, which was used in the 18th and 19th centuries. The river was a vital transportation and trade route for the region, connecting communities and facilitating commerce.

The Lockwoods Folly River is a short tidal river that flows southward from the Green Swamp into the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway near Sunset Harbor. The river's name dates back to at least 1671 and appears on a map created by John Ogilby. While the exact origin of the name is uncertain, there are several folklore stories that attempt to explain its genesis. One story attributes the name to a man named Lockwood who built a ship along the river but made it too deep to clear the sandbar at the inlet. The locals reportedly called the ship "Lockwood's Folly", and the name was eventually applied to the river and inlet.

Another tale tells of a group of settlers led by Lockwood who attempted to colonize the banks of the river but had to abandon their efforts due to insufficient supplies or disputes with the local Indian tribe. The remains of their colony were named "Lockwood's Folly", and the name was later used for the river and inlet. A third version suggests that the name originates from a time when landowners added "Folly" to the names of their manors, derived from the French word "folie" meaning "delight". Thus, "Lockwood's Folly" could be translated as "Lockwood's Delight".

The Lockwoods Folly River was indeed a vital trade route, as evidenced by its role in the development of the region. The river was the primary means of transportation and commerce for the community of Varnamtown, which was established in the 1800s. The Galloway family, who relocated to Varnamtown in the late 1800s, relied on the river for their livelihood, harvesting oysters, clams, shrimp, and various fisheries. The river continues to be central to the history and culture of the region, with residents expressing a mutual love and respect for its natural wonders and ecological significance.

In summary, the name "Supply" for the community in Brunswick County, North Carolina, is derived from the Lockwoods Folly River trade route, which played a significant role in the region's history and development. The river's name is steeped in folklore, and its natural beauty and biodiversity have captivated residents and visitors alike.

Brunswick County is the southernmost county in North Carolina

Brunswick County has a total area of 1,049.54 square miles, of which 850.08 square miles is land and 199.46 square miles is water. It is the fourth-largest county in North Carolina by total area. The county seat is Bolivia, which has a population of around 150 people, making it one of the least populous county seats in the state.

As of the 2020 census, Brunswick County's population was 136,693, a significant increase from 73,143 in 2000, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. This growth is largely due to the in-migration of retirees, and the county now has the highest median age in North Carolina. The county's economy is largely based on tourism, with popular beach communities such as Bald Head Island and Oak Island. The town of Calabash is also well-known for its fried seafood.

Brunswick County is home to several towns and communities, including Supply, a small unincorporated community located within the Township of Lockwoods Folly. Supply is named for the use of the Lockwoods Folly River as a trade route in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is situated between Bolivia and Shallotte, just south of the Green Swamp.

The county is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area

Supply, North Carolina, is a small unincorporated community in Brunswick County. It is located within the Township of Lockwoods Folly, a minor civil division of Brunswick County. Supply is part of the Wilmington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties.

The Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area had an estimated population of 467,337 in 2023. It is the principal city of the area and serves as a cultural and economic hub for the region. Wilmington is situated in coastal southeastern North Carolina and is known for its historic downtown, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to the ocean. The city also has a significant film industry, often referred to as "Hollywood East."

Brunswick County, including Supply, falls within the Eastern Time Zone (UTC -5 hours). The county is home to several towns and cities, such as Bolivia, Shallotte, and Oak Island, and is known for its beach communities.

The Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area offers a range of cultural, recreational, and economic opportunities to its residents and visitors. With its diverse economy, vibrant cities, and natural attractions, the area is a popular destination in North Carolina.

Frequently asked questions