Brunswick County North Carolina – a destination of natural beauty, southern charm and a rich history. Even as one of the fastest growing counties in the country its communities continue to maintain their friendly small town character. The ideal weather year round and slow pace make Brunswick County one of North Carolina’s most desired areas.

Located in the south eastern corner of North Carolina, the 855 square miles of Brunswick County are a combination of coastal plains and islands. The warm subtropical climate makes the year round temperatures ideal. With the winter average high temperate of 73 degrees and an average low of 51 degrees, there is always time to enjoy many outdoor activities.

Brunswick County has a water area of 195 square miles and is bordered on the east by the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The Cape Fear River at 202 miles in length is the longest river entirely within the state of North Carolina. The river is formed where the Deep River and Haw River converge between Lee County and Chatham County. As it flows southeast it is also fed by the Black River and the Northeast Cape Fear River. The river then runs south and widens before it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Fear, hence where the river gets its name. At one time the river was utilized as a primary transportation route to the interior of the state.

Along the Atlantic coastline runs the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway which runs from Florida to Maine along the entire eastern seaboard of the U.S. The waterway consists of both natural and man-made rivers, inlets, bays and canals. In 1919 when the U.S. Congress authorized its formation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was placed in charge of maintaining its depth and making improvements. The Intracoastal Waterway is heavily used by commercial barges and recreational boats alike.

The History of Brunswick County North Carolina

The earliest dwellers of Brunswick County go back to the Native Americans that inhabited Bald Head Island. In the early 1500’s an Italian navigator, Giavanni da Verrazano, is believed to have reached what became the Cape Fear River. The Brunswick coastal islands are noted in the records of Sir Walter Raleigh’s colonists in the later 1500’s. The islands were used as a safe haven for pirates including Stede Bonnet, the most well known in this region. Bonnet was captured and hung in the town of Southport in 1718. In 1726 the Town of Brunswick was founded by the Moore family. In honor King George I they used the name of his birthplace, Brunswick, Germany. During a British raid in 1776 Brunswick was destroyed by fire and the land became part of the Ornton Plantation in 1842 located in what is now known as Winnabow. The first of many lighthouses along the coast was built in 1817 on Bald Head Island. During the Civil War these lighthouses were used as Confederate signal stations to aid in the smuggling of goods and supplies. While other parts of North Carolina began thriving from agricultural development, Brunswick County because of its lack of fertile soil slipped into anonymity and became a region of small fishing villages.

The Cities and Towns of Brunswick County

Northern Brunswick County includes Northwest, Sandy Creek, Maco, Leland, Town Creek and Winnabow. Southern Brunswick County includes Ash, Bolivia which is the county seat, Boiling Spring Lakes, Supply, Longwood, Smith, St. James, Shallotte and Carolina Shores. Coastal Brunswick County includes Calabash, Sunset Beach, Seaside, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Varnamtown, Sunset Harbor, Oak Island which is the largest town in the county, Caswell Beach, Southport, Bald Head Island and Smith Island.

The Economy of Brunswick County North Carolina

Brunswick County has experienced a growth in businesses as well as residents. All of this growth has created a real boost in the economy of this county. From July 1, 2005 to July 1, 2006 Brunswick County ranked 14th among fastest growing counties in the U.S. From 1990 to 2005 the population increased by over 38,000 residents to 89,162. Projections are that the population will reach in excess of 142,000 by 2040. The economic development has helped to boost the median household income to $36,946 as of 2005.

After a vacation in Brunswick County visitors have found it hard to resist the lure of the mild weather, beautiful beaches and warm hospitality. Families looking to trade chaotic city life for a more relaxed lifestyle are relocating to make Brunswick County their home. Baby boomers have found this an ideal place to retire. The future of Brunswick looks even brighter with a forecast of continued growth. As the development continues Brunswick County is working to maintain the character and natural beauty found here.

Getting to Brunswick County

Brunswick County is accessible by land, by air and by sea. The mileage to Brunswick County from major cities: Atlanta – 392 miles, Baltimore – 460 miles, Chicago – 979 miles, Cincinnati – 695 miles, Indianapolis – 796 miles, Nashville – 620 miles, New York City – 648 miles, Orlando – 510 miles, Philadelphia – 561 miles, Richmond – 300 miles and Washington, D.C. – 414 miles.

Wherever your starting point there are several interstates that will bring you to the mainland or the Brunswick coastal islands. Interstate 40 runs from California into Wilmington. U.S. Highway 74/76 runs from Charlotte to Wilmington. Interstate 95 runs from New York through eastern North Carolina. A more scenic route, U.S. 17 runs from Maine and takes you through the entire length of Brunswick County.

To reach the area by air major airlines will bring you to Wilmington International Airport or Myrtle Beach International Airport. Wilmington International to the north has service through major carriers such as US Air and Delta. Myrtle Beach to the south has service through AirTran, Continental, Delta and US Air. The Brunswick County Airport in Oak Island is a paved and lighted facility that offers fuel, rental cars, fuel and hangers.

Healthcare and Schools in Brunswick County

There are two modern hospitals in Brunswick County, both of which are accredited. Brunswick Community Hospital is located near Supply and Dosher Memorial Hospital is located in Southport provide emergency and general medical services. For advanced care there are three hospitals in Wilmington; New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Cape Fear Hospital and Pender Memorial Hospital.

Families relocating to Brunswick County will find a selection of public and private schools serving the area. Nearby Wilmington, home to The University of North Carolina at Wilmington, is a top rated university offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Also, there is the Cape Fear Community College, Miller-Motte Business College and Mount Olive College all located in Wilmington.

Sightseeing in Brunswick County

While there are many points of interest in Brunswick County, those that are most notable are Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson Historic Site, Bald Head Island Lighthouse, Green Swamp Preserve, Ornton Plantation Gardens and Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve.

Brunswick Town was founded in 1726 by the Moore family. To honor King George I they used the name of his birthplace, Brunswick, Germany. Brunswick became a major port for shipping tar and other products used in building ships. The growth of Wilmington attracted residents to leave Brunswick which played a role in the demise of the town. Few residents remained during a British raid in 1776 when Brunswick was destroyed by fire. Nearly 100 years after Brunswick was destroyed the Confederate’s built Fort Anderson to defend Wilmington as the Cape Fear River was a vital route in moving supplies for General Lee’s army. When Confederate soldiers found themselves under attack at the rear of the fort and by sea they were quickly forced to abandon it. During the 1950’s and 1970’s archaeological digs unearthed remains of several structures including a portion of St. Philips Anglican Church and a graveyard where many well-known citizens of Brunswick were buried. Visitors today can see remains of the town as well as the site where five large cannons in the fort were placed to defend the shipping canal.

Old Baldy, one of many lighthouses along the coast was built in 1817 on Bald Head Island. Used to designate the entrance to the Cape Fear River it was used during the Civil War as a Confederate signal station to aid in the smuggling of goods and supplies. It remained an active lighthouse until taken out of service in 1935. The structure remained darkened until 1988 however it no longer serves in an official capacity. Today visitors can tour the museum and climb to the top of the lighthouse.

The 16,000 acres of Green Swamp Preserve are a combination of longleaf pine savannas and swamp also known as pocasins. Access to the preserve is located 5 miles north of Supply. There are trails in the savannas and part of the swamp is open for hunting. The preserve contains a wide variety of plants and grasses such as the Venus Fly Trap, orchids and pitcher plants. Many animals can be found in the preserve including alligators and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Because of the eco-system which exists in the preserve periodic burning is required to sustain many of the plants.

Orton Plantation located on the Cape Fear River was once a thriving rice plantation. Orton was home of Roger Moore who along with other members of the Moore family founded the town of Brunswick. Originally a one and a half story structure, the Orton House was later converted to two stories when owned by Dr. Frederick Jones Hill. Dr. Hill purchased the plantation at an auction when the previous owner Benjamin Smith fell on hard times. In the 1860’s the Orton House served as a hospital for Union soldiers. After the death of its next owner, Col. Kenneth Murchison, it became the property of James Sprunt and his wife Luola. The Sprunts added wings to the house and began developing the flower gardens. In 1915 they had a chapel built on the property due to the distance of local parishes. The gardens were enlarged by their son James and his wife Annie during the 1930’s. The plantation now owned by descendents of James and Luola contains 20 acres of walking paths among the formal and natural gardens, ponds and lagoons. The gardens are also well known for the numerous oak trees planted by the Sprunts.

Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve near Town Creek was the property of John Bassett Evans in the late 1700’s. The 174 acres of land is a mixture of swamp and hardwood forests. Johns Evans and his descendent s used the land for farming and it wasn’t until 1954 that anyone lived on the property. At that time Mr. Evans’ descendent, Troy Henry built a home. The property was donated to the University of North Carolina in 1991 by Mr. Henry and at that time was given the name Ev-Henwood from the names of Mr. Evans and Mr. Henry. Today visitors can enjoy the many interesting species of trees along the two self-guided learning trails, see an old tar kiln and perhaps catch sight of an alligator.

Recreation in Brunswick County

The climate of Brunswick County provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to take advantage of the abundance of outdoor recreation. Whether you enjoy golf, boating, fishing, diving or any other activities there is something here for everyone.

Brunswick County is home to over 30 public golf courses. Many consider these courses to be among the most scenic courses with coastal or wooded landscapes. The most recommended courses include Marsh Harbor, Oyster Bay, River’s Edge, The Thistle and Tiger’s Eye. If you are looking for the best value then try Brunswick Plantation, Calabash Golf Links, Carolina National, Lockwood Folley Country Club or Meadowlands Golf Course.

Whether sailing or power boating is in your blood you will find more than 25 marinas along the Intracoastal Waterway and the Cape Fear River. Also, there are places to rent kayaks, canoes or small boats. Even if you are a beginner you will find places that will provide instruction. Some of the boat ramps located in Brunswick County can be found in Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Harbor.

There are an abundance of opportunities for fishing in Brunswick County. Many of the local beach communities have piers or if you’re looking for a deep sea adventure consider a charter boat excursion. Several charter services operate out of Southport. For underwater adventure try scuba diving the many shipwrecks of f of the Cape Fear coast.

Dining in Brunswick County

No matter what your taste you will find a wide variety of places to eat in Brunswick County. Of course there is an abundance of great seafood restaurants where you can try Calabash style seafood. Calabash style is fresh seafood that is lightly breaded and deep fried to order. For something spicier try some Eastern North Carolina BBQ. This vinegar-based sauce is well known in this part of the state and many believe that this sauce originated during colonial times.

Relocating to Brunswick County

In recent years Brunswick County has experienced a dramatic growth. The warm climate, natural beauty and the serenity naturally draws new residents. Newcomers include young and old alike and many are bringing in new businesses which has created new job opportunities. You’re welcome whether just visiting or making Brunswick County your new home.

Real Estate in Brunswick County

Whether you’re looking for a second home, a place to retire, investment property or relocating to Brunswick County there are many new communities to choose from. These new developments include luxury homes in gated communities, beachfront condos and golf course home sites. Brunswick Forest in Leland, Seascape at Holden Plantation in Supply and Ocean Ridge in Sunset Beach are three of many premier properties available.