Bald Head Mystery In Brunswick County

Bald Head Island, historically Smith Island, is a village located in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It is a small and somewhat remote village, accessible only by ferry or private boat. The island is known for its picturesque nature and lack of cars, making it a popular vacation spot. Bald Head Island is also recognised for its sea turtle nesting activity and is home to one of the largest sea turtle nesting sites in North Carolina. The village has a rich history, dating back to the American Revolution when it was used as a British fort, and later as a Confederate base during the Civil War. Today, Bald Head Island is a charming and upscale retreat, offering stunning natural landscapes and a glimpse into the past with its iconic lighthouse, Old Baldy.

Bald Head Island's history

Bald Head Island, historically Smith Island, is a village located on the east side of the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The village is small and somewhat remote, accessible only by ferry or private boat. The island is known for its natural beauty, with varied landscapes including sand dunes, pristine beaches, maritime forests, and salt marshes. It is also recognised for its sea turtle nesting activity, with one of the largest sites in North Carolina.

The history of Bald Head Island dates back to the Native Americans, who likely used it as a seasonal retreat for fishing. During the European colonisation of the region, the island underwent several settlement attempts and name changes. In 1776, it played a minor role in the Revolutionary War when British forces used it as a staging area before their voyage to Charleston, South Carolina. They established Fort George on the island, which was raided by Continental forces led by Colonel Polk. The British eventually withdrew, and the island saw no further action during the war.

In 1863, during the Civil War, Confederate troops constructed Fort Holmes on the island as part of a defensive system for the Cape Fear River Basin. However, no major battles were fought in the region. After the war, the island was purchased by T.F. Boyd in 1913 and renamed "Palmetto Island." Boyd developed the island by building a beach boardwalk, pavilion, and a hotel, but he eventually lost the property during the Great Depression due to unpaid taxes.

In 1938, Frank Sherrill bought the island with intentions to further develop it. The island changed hands a few more times, and in 1970, it was sold to the Cape Fear Corporation, which deeded three-fourths of the island to the state of North Carolina for conservation. The island has since been under the development of Bald Head Island Limited since 1983.

Bald Head Island is also known for its iconic lighthouse, "Old Baldy," which was built in 1817. It is the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina and offers breathtaking views from its top. The island has been featured in films such as "Weekend at Bernie's" (1989) and "The Butcher's Wife" (1991). Today, Bald Head Island is a popular vacation destination, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and charm.

Transportation to the island

Transportation to Bald Head Island is via ferry or private yacht. There is no bridge to the island, and no passenger cars are allowed. The standard modes of transport on the island are golf carts, bicycles, or trams.

Ferry

Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. operates a passenger ferry to the island. Ferries depart from the mainland at Deep Point Marina in Southport, North Carolina, and parking is available at the marina for a daily fee. The ferry website provides the latest information on schedules, tickets, and luggage.

It is recommended that you make reservations in advance as seating is limited. Ferry tickets can be purchased online or by calling the ferry company.

Private Yacht

Those who wish to travel to the island by private yacht can do so, but they must also return to the mainland by boat. Marina slips are limited and must be reserved in advance.

Getting Around the Island

Once on the island, transportation is mainly by golf cart, bicycle, or tram. Many rental properties include the use of the owner's golf cart, and daily rentals are also available. Golf carts must be operated by licensed drivers, and there are rules in place regarding speed limits, open containers of alcohol, and reckless driving.

Bicycles are another popular option, and they can be brought over on the passenger ferry with the purchase of an Oversized Baggage ticket. It is strongly recommended that adults wear helmets when riding bicycles on the island.

Trams are also available for transportation on the island, and the fare is included in the price of a general passenger ferry ticket.

The island's natural landscapes

Bald Head Island, a roughly 5-square-mile island off the coast of Brunswick County, is a secluded and sparsely populated beach retreat. It is known for its natural beauty, offering a peaceful getaway for visitors who want to enjoy undeveloped shorelines and pristine oceanfront views. The island is bordered by the Cape Fear River to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and north, making it dangerously close to the Frying Pan Shoals, a series of sandbars that can appear and disappear with the changing seasons and weather conditions. This unique location has helped shape the island's landscape and development.

Bald Head Island is a barrier island that contains four distinct ecosystems: beachfront, dune ridge, maritime forest, and marsh. The island strives to live in harmony with nature, and its fragile ecosystem is carefully protected. The island's natural landscapes include thick clusters of maritime forest, pristine beaches, and scenic oceanfront views. The Bald Head Woods State Reserve is an undeveloped area of maritime forest where visitors can explore the island's rich wildlife, including exceptional birdwatching and sightings of foxes, deer, squirrels, reptiles, amphibians, and the famous local alligator.

The island's unique transportation system also contributes to the peaceful and unpopulated atmosphere. Visitors must take a privately-run passenger ferry from Southport to reach the island, and once ashore, the only means of getting around are by golf cart or tram, as no vehicles are allowed on the island. This adds to the feeling of being immersed in nature and creates a relaxing and tranquil setting for visitors.

The history of Bald Head Island also shapes its natural landscapes. First documented in the 1520s by Spanish Explorer Pedro de Quexos, the island later became home to a British Fort during the Revolutionary War and a Confederate base during the Civil War. One of the most notable landmarks is the Cape Fear Station, which houses the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, affectionately known as "Old Baldy." The lighthouse stands as a testament to the island's maritime history and is one of the most visited attractions.

Today, Bald Head Island is a popular summertime retreat, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The island offers a range of accommodations, from small coastal cottages to luxurious oceanfront estates. With its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and abundance of outdoor activities, Bald Head Island is a sought-after destination for those seeking a reclusive and elite retreat while still having access to world-class amenities and pristine natural surroundings.

The island's wildlife

The Islands Wildlife

Bald Head Island is home to a diverse array of wildlife, from exotic plants to birds and reptiles. The Bald Head Island Conservancy (BHIC) champions the sustainability of the island and its surrounding habitats through environmental research and conservation. The conservancy offers a range of recreational and educational activities for the public, including a wildlife tour.

The island is a haven for birdwatchers, with species such as herons, egrets, ibises, and pelicans frequently spotted. The conservancy also works to protect sea turtles and their nesting habitats, conducting research to understand how they are adapting to environmental changes. In addition to the sea turtles, the island's waters are home to fish, sharks, and dolphins.

On land, alligators are a common sight, especially near the ponds and water hazards of the golf course. Foxes, deer, raccoons, lizards, and even the occasional fox pup have been observed by visitors. The island's marshes and tidal creeks are also home to periwinkles and crabs, with thousands scrambling along the banks.

The island's unique ecosystem and wildlife are a draw for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, offering a wild adventure and a chance to connect with nature. The conservancy's efforts ensure that this fragile environment is protected for future generations to enjoy.

For those interested in a more guided experience, the Bald Head Island Conservancy wildlife tour is a great option. Knowledgeable guides showcase the island's flora and fauna, as well as the Old Baldy Lighthouse and Frying Pan Shoals. The tour costs $50 per participant and includes ferry passage to and from the island.

The island's filming locations

Bald Head Island is a small community located off the coast of Brunswick County, North Carolina. The island was featured as a filming location in the 2005 film "The Island", starring Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson.

The production team for "The Island" chose to film in several locations across the United States, including Los Angeles, California; Detroit, Michigan; and Rhyolite, Nevada.

Most of the action sequences in "The Island" were set in Los Angeles, but the production team opted to film a large portion of these scenes in Detroit, where it was easier to close down whole areas. The film also features iconic locations in Los Angeles, such as Union Station and areas in Long Beach. The skyscraper at 555 West 5th Street in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles was used for one of the film's best action sequences, a huge, futuristic car chase.

The compound in which the characters Lincoln and Jordan live was predominantly shot in the Downey Studios in Los Angeles. The scenes directly outside the compound in the desert were filmed in Rhyolite, Nevada, a ghost town that provided the perfect super-secret facility surroundings that the movie demanded.

Other filming locations for "The Island" included Salton Sea and Tonopah in Nevada.

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