1. An island is born.

Believe it or not, Ocean Isle Beach is not a naturally occurring barrier island. In fact, Ocean Isle Beach was created in 1934 as a result of the dredging deposits left over from the creation of the Intracoastal Waterway.

2. Our original airport was on the island.

When Ocean Isle Beach was first developed, a small airstrip was built on the island. However, due to erosion and powerful storms, it was no longer viable. It was replaced with an airstrip on the mainland. Today the airport is a vibrant small aircraft facility, and the perfect destination for all you private aircraft owners.

3. A visit from Hurricane Hazel.

Hurricane Hazel made direct landfall as a category 4 storm on Ocean Isle Beach in October of 1954. As one of the most massive and most destructive hurricanes in North Carolina history, Hazel destroyed all but two buildings on the fledgling community of Ocean Isle Beach. Thankfully, no hurricane since Hazel has made direct landfall on Ocean Isle Beach.

4. Tubbs Inlet in history.

During the American Civil War, the Confederate forces did not have a large naval force. Harassed continuously by Union gunboats up and down the Atlantic Coast, boats known as “blockade runners” were used by the Confederate troops to keep precious supplies coming into the ports along the coast. Tubbs Inlet, at the southern end of Ocean Isle Beach, was one of the primary places blockade runners hid from the patrolling Union Navy.

5. We border the Intracoastal Waterway.

Ocean Isle Beach is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW). Did you know the AIWW spans 1,100 miles from Norfolk, VA in the north to Key West, FL to the south? This critical waterway allows commercial and pleasure craft to safely navigate the Eastern seaboard.

6. An island is named.

Before 1949 the island now known as Ocean Isle Beach was called Hale Beach. In 1949, one of the original developers, Odell Williamson and his wife Virginia, named the island Ocean Isle Beach.

7. Great things come in small packages.

Did you know Ocean Isle Beach is only 4.5 sq. miles? However, don’t let the small size fool you. Our beautiful town and pristine beaches are the perfect settings for your family vacation. We feature dozens of beautiful waterfront homes, so no matter where on Ocean Isle Beach you’d like to stay we have the perfect vacation home for you.

8. Ocean Isle Beach played a part in World War II.

On June 29, 1944, a P-47D Thunderbolt crashed onto an Ocean Isle Beach. At the time of the accident, the pilot was on patrol over the beach. During the flight, the pilot made a mistake and forgot to switch his fuel tanks. Maybe he was distracted by the beauty of the beach. Thankfully the pilot survived with just a bruised ego.

9. A president visited Ocean Isle Beach.

In April of 1791, George Washington visited Ocean Isle Beach. Specifically, the president was on his southern tour and stopped to visit the wealthy tar and turpentine merchant family, the Gauses, at their stately manor close to where Bricklanding is located today.

10. Argghh, pirates are on the horizon.

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.

11. Horses once patrolled Ocean Isle Beach.

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