Topsail Beach is a town in Pender County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 383 at the 2012 census. It is part of the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
Local folklore claims the name, Topsail (pronounced Tops'l), originated during the 1700s when pirate ships roamed the coastal waters. Historians explain that marauding pirates hid their ships in the channel behind the island and waited for passing merchant ships loaded with goods. The pirates would pursue and attack the merchants, claiming the cargoes as their own. Eventually the merchants became aware of this infamous hiding place and began to watch for the tops of the pirates' sails showing over the rolling dunes - hence the name Topsail Island.
Prior to World War II, the only access to Topsail Island was by boat. Area residents frequently made this short trip to picnic and search for the pirate Blackbeard's rumored buried treasure.
During World War II, the U.S. Navy took over the island and began a joint venture with Johns Hopkins University known as Operation Bumblebee. The waterway was dredged, roads were built, and fresh water was piped onto the island. Operation Bumblebee was the beginning of the space program for the United States Government. An arsenal center for the assembly and storage of rockets was built on the sound side of the island, and launching pads were constructed on the oceanfront. Concrete observation towers were built throughout the island to monitor the experimental launchings. Over 200 rocket launchings took place on the island between 1946 and 1948. When the testing program was dismantled, the government sold the island to the public. The Town of Topsail Beach was incorporated in 1963. Many of the original military structures still stand today. Many of the concrete observation towers have since been converted into private residences and places of business.
The Cape Fear Civil War Shipwreck Discontiguous District, US Naval Ordnance Testing Facility Assembly Building, US Naval Ordnance Testing Facility Control Tower, and US Naval Ordnance Testing Facility Observation Tower No. 2 are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Recreation
Missiles and More Museum: The Missiles and More Museum is housed in the Historical Assembly Building located at 720 Channel Blvd in Topsail Beach. The Museum is home to exhibits such as; Pirates of the Carolinas, Operation Bumblebee, Camp Davis, The Towns of Topsail Island, Topsail's Natural Beauty and Fragility, Traces of Native Americans on the Island and an International Shell Exhibit. Opened on April 4, 2011 the WASP (Women's Air-force Service Pilots) exhibit was opened. This exhibit tells the story of the first women trained to fly American military aircraft.
Jolly Roger Oceanfront Motel & Pier: The Jolly Roger Pier is located near the center of town at 803 Ocean Blvd. Extending 850 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, the Jolly Roger Pier has long been an area landmark known not only for its superb fishing, but also for its scenic view. The pier is fully lit at night and Guests at the Jolly Roger Inn may walk the Pier free of charge. They also receive a discount on fishing fees. the Pier has a fully stocked tackle shop, as well as a Grill serving breakfast lunch and dinner. The Jolly Roger Inn is also a great place to stay on the Island during your vacation. The Inn offers and oceanfront rooms for an affordable price.
Right across from the Jolly Roger is a Putt putt course that is great for families. If you do not like Putt-Putt stop by anyways and grab some ice cream or play games at the arcade and the Putt putt is a mini golf course available for golf and mini golf lovers. Boat Ramp: The public boat ramp in Topsail Beach is located at Bush Marina. There is a ten dollar fee for using the ramp. Weekly and seasonal passes are also available for purchase.
Geography
Topsail Beach is located at 34°22?13?N 77°37?33?W (34.370399, -77.625756).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 5.8 square miles (15 km2).4.4 square miles (11.3 km²) of it is land and 1.5 square miles (3.9 km2) of it (25.30%) is water.
It is the southernmost town on Topsail Island.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 471 people, 252 households, and 159 families residing in the town. The population density was 107.7 people per square mile (41.6/km²). There were 1,149 housing units at an average density of 262.8 per square mile (101.5/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 99.36% White, 0.21% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.21% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.42% of the population.
There were 252 households out of which 9.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 2.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.87 and the average family size was 2.26.
In the town the population was spread out with 7.0% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 17.6% from 25 to 44, 44.2% from 45 to 64, and 26.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 56 years. For every 100 females there were 99.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.8 males.
The average income for a household in the town is $55,750, and the median income for a family was $64,167. Males had a median income of $45,313 versus $25,139 for females. The per capita income for the town was $35,838. About 0.8% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.
References
- ^ a b "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2010-07-09.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
External links
- Official website of Topsail Beach, NC
- Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
- Topsail Area InsiderInfo
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