"The Crystal Coast and Homes in Eastern NC, Coast of NC "

The Crystal Coast and Homes in Eastern NC, Coast of NC

Like many of North Carolina's coastal islands, Emerald Isle was first home to Indians; the Algonquin Indian tribe occupied the surrounding countryside from about 500 A.D. to colonial times. Later, the area was settled by whalers and fishermen.

Located on the western end of Bogue Banks, with Bogue Sound dividing it from the mainland, the Emerald Isle area overlooks a small inlet. The settlement of the mainland area inside Bogue Inlet by English colonists began around 1730, at the mouth of White Oak River.

ONSLOW COUNTY

Welcome to Jacksonville NC, Home of Camp Lejeune. North Carolina's Crystal Coast and Jacksonville NC! Onslow County's coastline, also called the Crystal Coast, consists of narrow islands and includes favorite beach-vacation spots, such as Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach, Salter Path and Nearby is Beaufort, a quaint seaport brimming with charm, history, a boardwalk and tree-lined streets. And we can't forget Morehead City, Swansboro and the Down East area — each with its own distinct character. If you've already visited or researched a trip to the Crystal Coast, the historic city of Newbern, the charming waterfront town of Oriental, or Havelock, home of Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, you've probably seen the 400-plus page book, The Insiders' Guide^® to North Carolina's Central Coast & New Bern. Now you've discovered the site of the online version of the updated 13th edition of the entire book that will answer your questions, help you plan and lead you to the area's best attractions, restaurants, shops, kids activities, recreation options and all of our favorite nooks and crannies!

Onslow is one of North Carolina's oldest counties, and its past reflects a rich and varied history. It was named for the Honorable Arthur Onslow, who served for many years as speaker of the British House of Commons. Early settlements in the area occurred along the fertile waterways of Bear Creek and the White Oak and New Rivers.

Swansboro, a picturesque village and port located at the mouth of the White Oak River, is listed on the national register of Historic Places. The town has a rich maritime history which spans Colonial and Civil War eras. Unique shops and original homes have been restored to preserve this history. Bicentennial Park on the waterfront features a statue of local hero, Otway Burns, a privateer and builder of the first steamboat constructed in North Carolina.

Visit the Swansboro Chamber of Commerce WEB SITE

Sneads Ferry attracted settlers in the 1700's because of the abundant seafood in local waters, and a thriving fishing industry developed. Fresh local seafood is the specialty enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.

Richlands township emerged as an agricultural center and became the site of the first graded school, the first public high school and the first library in the county. Today, Richlands is the home of the Onslow County Museum which features changing exhibits reflecting the history of the area.border

A Pathway to the Past

Whether you are discovering Onslow for the first time or you have been with us for generations, the Onslow County Museum offers a pathway to the past. Through vibrant natural and cultural exhibits, visitors can retrace the area's progression from 65 million years ago to the present. Exhibits in the Changing Gallery will delight and enlighten while offering visitors the opportunity to derive a deeper understanding and appreciation of Onslow County's rich history. This gallery also periodically features traveling exhibitions from other museums and art organizations. Our special events spotlight the heritage of our community throughout the year. Showcasing an array of talents and traditions, these eagerly anticipated events attract thousands of visitors from across the state. Guided tours and enrichment programs are available for our younger patrons, and we are happy to visit classrooms and day-camp setting for outreach educational experiences.

Topsail Island enjoys a colorful history beginning with the Tuscarona Indians who used the island as a hunting ground. According to local legend, swashbuckling pirates like Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet made the waterways their home in the late 1600's as they sailed out to attack merchant ships passing the Atlantic Coast.

Holly Ridge and Topsail Island played an important role in the development of modern jet propulsion in the 1940's. Holly Ridge was the site of Camp Davis, headquarters for "Operation Bumblebee," the program that pioneered technology for the ramjet and missile guidance systems. Concrete observation towers used in the missile launchings may be seen today on the island, and the Topsail Island Museum displays exhibits and artifacts from this important era of aviation history.

Visit the Greater Topsail Island Chamber of Commerce
WEB SITE

Jacksonville's early growth was sponsored by a thriving naval stores industry and the establishment of a courthouse there in 1755. First known as Wantland's Ferry, because of the major north-south ferry crossing, the town was later named after President Andrew Jackson. Today it is the state's 7th largest commercial center.

Visit the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce WEB SITE

Camp Lejeune was originally a Marine Corps Training Center begun in 1941. Named after Lt. General John A. Lejeune, the base, which includes nearby New River Air Station, covers 151,000 acres and houses the largest marine expeditionary force in the world.

Stay on the Emerald Isle when you stay in an Emerald Isle Vacation Rental

INTERCOASTAL WATERWAY AND OCEANVIEW

Lets go fishing!