Topsail Beach, NC
For additional information:
Topsail Beach is situated at the southern end of Topsail Island, off the coast of southeastern North Carolina. Topsail Beach is the smallest of the three communities located on the 26-mile long island. North Topsail Beach occupies the northernmost section, and Surf City, the largest town on the island, is in the center.
Topsail Island has a very rich and varied history. Local folklore claims the name, Topsail (pronounced Tops’l), originated during the 1700’s when pirate ships like Blackbeard 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.
Topsail Beach: The War Years
Prior to World War II, the only access to Topsail Island was by boat. Area residents frequently made this short trip and picnicked on the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Local farmers are said to have driven their livestock across the waterways to graze on wild grass. Treasure hunters searched for Blackbeard’s infamous buried treasure throughout the maritime forests which covered the island.
During the war, 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. Many of the original military structures are still standing.
Topsail Beach: The Modern Era
Incorporated in 1963, the Town of Topsail Beach boasts a friendly, family oriented style of beach living. High rise development is not allowed, beautification is encouraged, and conservation of the island environment is a top priority. There are 1100 homes, but only about 500 year-round residents. The seasonal influx of tourists increases the population to 6,500, which helps sustain the Topsail Beach’s motels, restaurants, gift shops, fishing pier and other businesses. The only sea turtle hospital in the state, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, is located on the sound near Town Hall. The arsenal (Assembly) building from Operation Bumblebee now houses the Missiles and More Museum as well as a meeting room that is available for rental.
All this and more truly make Topsail Beach a wonderful place for a family vacation or a lifetime!
Topsail Beach Government Services:
The Town of Topsail Beach adopted the Council-Manager form of government in 1985. All legislative authority rests with the Mayor and the five-member Board of Commissioners who serve staggered four year terms. The Board of Commissioners create policy directives, institute goals and objectives, and make legislative decisions related to municipal operations, zoning, development, and utility operations.
The Board of Commissioners meets the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm at Town Hall.
Town of Topsail Beach
820 S Anderson Blvd.
Topsail Beach, NC 28445
Phone: 910-328-5841
Fax: 910-328-1560
Topsail Beach Police Department
Phone: 910-328-4851
Fax: 910-328-1666
812 S Anderson Blvd.
Topsail Beach, NC
Topsail Beach Fire Department
Fire Chief: Andy Cavender (volunteer)
Phone: 910-328-2980
816 S Anderson Blvd.
Topsail Beach, NC
Topsail Humane Society - A no-kill animal shelter in Hampstead.
P.O. Box 117
Hampstead, NC 28443 (map to Topsail Humane Society)
Phone: (910)262-5091