Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina is located 6 miles from Sunset Beach, 29 miles from Oak Island and Caswell Beach and 33 miles from Southport. Ocean Isle Beach is not a naturally occurring barrier island but man-made, created in 1934 as a result of the dredging deposits left over from the creation of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Prior to 1949, this beach was called Hale Beach, named after Hale Swamp near here. Hale Beach was divided into three separate beaches – Little Beach on the east end, Gause’s Beach in the center, and Brooks Beach on the west end. In 1934, it changed dramatically with the arrival of the Intracoastal Waterway project. The area started to develop during the late 1940s, when developer and politician Odell Williamson, began purchasing land for the foundation of the town. Williamson was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1946 to 1968 and served as the first mayor of Ocean Isle Beach. Williamson made significant contributions to the community, including the construction of the Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Pier, donation of land for the Museum of the Coastal Carolinas, and a four-car ferry over the waterway which operated until 1959 when a swing bridge was completed. The swing bridge was used until 1986 when a linear-concrete bridge Odell Williamson Bridge, was constructed and featured a vertical clearance of 65 feet above the Intracoastal Waterway.
Tubbs Inlet, at the southern end of Ocean Isle Beach, was one of the primary places Blockade Runners hid from the patrolling Union Navy. Blockade Runners were used by the Confederate troops during the American Civil War to keep precious supplies coming into the ports along the coast. During the 17th century, pirates used the barrier islands and even inlets like Tubbs Inlet to hide from patrolling naval vessels. Rivers, like the Shallotte River, were also known to be favorite pirate hangouts. During prohibition in the 1920s, sailing vessels often smuggled rum and other spirits from the Bahamas, Jamaica and Canada into Brunswick County via Tubbs Inlet. The isolation of this area mad it big business,
During World War II, a Thunderbolt jet that crashed during nearly killing the pilot in the accident. The island was also patrolled by mounted horse units in fear of a German U-Boat attack. This patrol is the only time mounted troops were used by the Coast Guard during their long history.
Hurricane Hazel made landfall October 15, 1954 – one of the most devastating storms to hit the East Coast, nearly destroying the entire island. Only two buildings survived this massive storm, 39 of the 41 homes on the island, making it the worst hurricane to ever destroy a North Carolina municipality at that time. Since then, Ocean Isle Beach has managed to avoid direct landfall from any further hurricanes.
The Ocean Isle Fishing Pier was built in 1957 by Odell Williamson, developer and first mayor of Ocean Isle. Stretching 958 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, the pier provides visitors with breathtaking views of the coastline, making it a favorite spot for sunrise watching, photography, and quiet contemplation. There is no fishing license required for pier fishing so it is easy access for beginners and families. The pier complex features a variety of amenities: The Pier Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and casual meals daily, starting at 7 am from March thru December. The Gift shop offers beach essentials, souvenirs, and local merchandise. The Pier Store offers soft ice cream, candy, chips, ice, drinks, fishing bait, tackle, rods, and fishing supplies. Don’t miss the front entrance to the store is decorated with historical photographs going back 60 years.
Ocean Beach Fishing Classes at the pier offers a 2-hour class teaching the basics of fishing – all equipment, bait, and instruction are included for a nominal fee. All proceeds go to support the OIB Pier maintenance.
Don’t forget to check out the Ocean Isle Beach Club turtle talks at 417 W 2nd St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 June, July August Mondays at 5 pm.
Ocean Isle Farmer & Artisan Summer Markets occur May thru August on Tuesdays 9 am to 1 am with close to 100 vendors.
