By Jennifer Eblin
Topsail Island is an area of North Carolina that covers 26 miles of land. The area is close to Wilmington and Jacksonville, which makes it a popular tourist spot, but few tourists are aware of its interesting history.
Name
The name Topsail supposedly comes from the pirate Blackbeard, who once sailed to the island. Residents knew he was coming when they saw the top sail of his ship.
Tucscarora
The Tucscarora Indians traveled to the island in the 1700s where they hunted for wild game to feed their tribe. Locals are still able to find arrowheads and other artifacts from this group today.
1800s
In the 1800s Topsail Island was home to a salt works production factory. They mined the salt from Sloop Point and used the salt to preserve meat during the Civil War.
1940s
In the 1940s Topsail beach was used by the U.S. Navy for Operation Bumblebee, where they tested engines and new products by launching missiles at the island. Some of the observation towers they used are still there.
Permanent Residents
The first permanent residents appeared on the island following the end of the military experiments in 1948. Three towns evolved, with residents living in Surf City, Topsail Beach and North Topsail Beach.
Incorporation
Surf City was the first town incorporated in 1949 and Topsail Beach was incorporated in 1963. The last town, North Topsail Beach, was incorporated in 1990.
About the Author:
Jennifer Eblin has been a full-time freelance writer since 2006. Her work has appeared on several websites, including Tool Box Tales and Zonder. Eblin received a master's degree in historic preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
