Brunswick County: Coastal Carolina Charm

Brunswick County is a county in the US state of North Carolina. It is the southernmost county in the state and is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county was formed in 1764 and is named after King George I, who was also the Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburg. The county seat is Bolivia, which has a population of around 150 people. Brunswick County is known for its beach communities, historic sites, and golf courses. It is also a popular filming location for movies and TV shows. The county has a diverse economy, with tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing being some of the key sectors.

Brunswick County's beaches and coastal towns

North Carolina's Brunswick Islands are a chain of barrier islands and coastal towns on the state's southernmost shoreline. They offer a unique experience with their laid-back vibe, signature seafood, and charming, unspoiled nature. The region comprises six beaches stretched across five barrier islands, each with its own distinct character and attractions.

One of the islands, Bald Head Island, is accessible only by ferry and is known for its pristine beaches and natural preserves. The state's oldest lighthouse, Old Baldy, stands tall on this island, providing a unique landmark. Nearby, Sunset Beach, one of the area's smallest beach towns, offers a peaceful, old-fashioned resort feel.

Holden Beach, a subtropical barrier island, provides the perfect family seaside getaway with its secluded white sandy beaches. It has been named one of the country's best family beaches by National Geographic Traveler. Caswell Beach, located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere with mild weather and serene surroundings.

Oak Island, Brunswick County's largest island, boasts over 10 miles of uncrowded shoreline, creating the perfect setting for family memories. Ocean Isle Beach, located on the southern coastline, is known for its soft serve and is one of the oldest piers in North Carolina.

In addition to the beaches and islands, the coastal town of Southport, with its maritime charm, has been named America's Happiest Seaside Town. It is known for its colourful cottages, majestic live oaks, and legendary waterfront seafood restaurants.

Whether you're seeking secluded beaches, charming towns, or signature seafood, Brunswick County's beaches and coastal towns have something for everyone.

The county's history and historic sites

Brunswick County, located in the Coastal Plain region of southeastern North Carolina, is home to several historic sites that showcase the region's colonial and Civil War history. The county was formed in 1764 from New Hanover and Bladen Counties and was named after King George I, who was also the Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburg.

One notable historic site in Brunswick County is the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site. Brunswick Town was a major pre-Revolutionary port on the Cape Fear River, founded in 1726 by Maurice Moore, the son of a former South Carolina governor. It was named Brunswick to honour King George I of England, who was also the Duke of Brunswick in what is now Germany. The town became a bustling shipping area for exporting naval stores derived from longleaf pine, such as tar, pitch, and turpentine. However, its decline began due to the growth of nearby Wilmington and the relocation of political appointments. In 1776, during the Revolutionary War, British troops razed Brunswick Town, and it was never rebuilt.

During the Civil War, Fort Anderson was constructed atop the ruins of Brunswick Town. The Confederate army built a large sand fortification, originally called Fort St. Philip's, to defend the river route to Wilmington, which was essential for supplying General Lee's army. In February 1865, Union forces attacked Fort Anderson, and after three days of bombardment, the Confederates evacuated the fort. Today, colonial foundations dot the tour trail, which crosses the earthworks of the Confederate fort, offering a unique look at both the colonial and Civil War history of the region.

Other historic sites in Brunswick County include the Orton Plantation and Gardens, dating back to around 1730; the Bald Head Island Lighthouse, also known as "Old Baldy", the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina; the Brunswick Inn, built in 1859; and Fort Johnston, completed in 1764, which served as a refuge for Royal Governor Josiah Martin. The Southport Maritime Museum, the Brunswick County Historical Society, and the Bald Head Island Conservatory are also cultural institutions that preserve the history and heritage of the county.

Annual events and festivals

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is known for its annual events and festivals that showcase the region's culture, arts, music, food, and maritime heritage. Here is a list of some of the notable annual events and festivals in Brunswick County:

North Carolina 4th of July Festival

The North Carolina 4th of July Festival is one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations in the state. It attracts visitors from along the coastline to Southport, featuring a parade, vendors, shows, activities, and a fireworks display over the water.

NC Festival by the Sea

The NC Festival by the Sea is an annual coastal arts and crafts festival held in the heart of Holden Beach. It features local craftsmen showcasing their art across various media, live entertainment, contests, food vendors, and children's activities.

Bald Head Island Fourth of July Celebration

The Fourth of July is a festive day on Bald Head Island, with a wide array of activities, including tours, games, food, and a famed annual parade.

Carolina Beach Music Festival

The Carolina Beach Music Festival is a beloved annual event that ushers in the summer season. It takes place just steps away from the sand and features a full day and night of great music.

Port City Music Festival

The Port City Music Festival celebrates classical music in Wilmington. It is hosted at various venues throughout the Port City area, offering classical concerts for music enthusiasts.

Orange Street ArtsFest

The Orange Street ArtsFest is an annual festival that showcases the talented artists of the coastal Cape Fear region. It features dozens of artists, live entertainment, food, and a variety of enticing activities for art lovers.

North Carolina Oyster Festival

The North Carolina Oyster Festival is a popular event that offers more than just its namesake shellfish. Visitors can indulge in BBQ, pizza, music, arts, and crafts, making it a delightful experience for all ages.

Riverfest

Riverfest is an all-encompassing festival held in Wilmington that celebrates life by the water. It features exhibits, vendors, competitions, fireworks, and kid-friendly activities, igniting the downtown area with fun for the whole family.

Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival

The Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival is a highly anticipated event for wine and beer enthusiasts. It showcases over 100 craft breweries and wineries from the Cape Fear area and beyond, all gathered at the North Waterfront Park in Wilmington.

Cape Fear Kite Festival

With fall winds at their peak, the Cape Fear Kite Festival paints the skies over the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area with a colourful display of kites of all varieties. It is a crowd-pleasing event that captivates visitors of all ages.

Southport Wooden Boat Show

The Southport Wooden Boat Show is an annual celebration of Southport's maritime heritage. It showcases a stunning array of wooden boats crafted by talented boat makers and mariners, along with educational insights into the town's rich history on the water.

These festivals and events highlight the vibrant culture and community spirit of Brunswick County, North Carolina, offering entertainment, culinary delights, and unique experiences for locals and visitors alike.

Brunswick County's economy and agriculture

Brunswick County's economy is largely built around tourism, with its beach communities, nature preserves, museums, and historical sites attracting visitors. The county's natural assets, including its beaches and coastal location, contribute significantly to its GDP through tourism and recreation.

The county is also known for its agriculture, with farms focused on crops like wheat and cotton. In recent years, there has been a significant amount of land and rural real estate for sale in Brunswick County, with nearly 5,000 acres of land and farms available. The total value of this land was approximately $525 million.

The food service and retail sectors have experienced the greatest expansion in recent years, and the county's proximity to Cinespace Wilmington has made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows. The town of Calabash is known for its style of lightly-breaded fried seafood, attracting food lovers to the region.

Brunswick County also has a significant retiree population, which contributes to the local economy through dividend collections, pensions, and Social Security payments. Less than half of the county's residents participate in the workforce, and many commute outside the county for work.

The county's population and demographics

Brunswick County, North Carolina, has experienced significant population growth in recent years, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. As of the 2020 census, the county's population was 136,693, a notable increase from 73,143 in 2000, with a nominal growth rate of approximately 47% in ten years. The population density in 2000 was 86 people per square mile (33 people/km2). The county seat, Bolivia, has a population of around 150 people, making it one of the least populous county seats in North Carolina.

The racial composition of Brunswick County has also evolved over time. According to the 2000 census, the racial makeup was 82.30% White, 14.38% Black or African American, 0.68% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.32% from other races, and 1.01% from two or more races. The Hispanic or Latino population of any race was 2.68%. By the 2020 census, the racial composition had shifted, with 86.5% of the population identified as White, 10.0% as Black/African American, 0.8% as American Indian, 0.7% as Asian, 0.1% as Pacific Islander, 1.8% as two or more races, and 4.9% as Hispanic/Latino of any race.

The county's population is spread across various age groups, with a median age of 42 years as of the 2000 census. In the county, 21.20% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.00% were between 18 and 24, 25.70% were from 25 to 44, 29.20% were from 45 to 64, and 16.90% were 65 years of age or older. There was a slightly higher number of females, with 96.70 males for every 100 females, and this ratio remained similar for adults over 18.

In terms of household composition, the 2000 census showed that 25.70% of households had children under the age of 18. 58.10% were married couples living together, while 10.20% had a female householder with no husband present. 22.90% of households were individuals, and 8.60% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.38, and the average family size was 2.76.

The median income varied between households and families, with a median household income of $35,888 and a median family income of $42,037. There was a gender income gap, with males having a median income of $30,138 compared to $22,066 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,857. Unfortunately, a portion of the population lived below the poverty line, with 9.50% of families and 12.60% of individuals falling below this threshold. This included 19.40% of those under 18 and 8.10% of those aged 65 or over.

Brunswick County's population growth has been driven by several factors, including the in-migration of retirees. In fact, between 2020 and 2023, the county had the highest estimated growth in population among North Carolina's counties at 15.8 percent. This trend has contributed to a shift in the demographic makeup of the county, with a growing number of retirees influencing the local economy and community characteristics.

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