Fun Facts You Never Knew About Topsail Island
There is something special about Topsail Island. It’s a magical place to visit with its own unique history and identity. However, many people just think of Topsail Island as a world-class vacation destination. This week we pull back the curtain and share with you some of the fun facts about Topsail Island that you probably don’t know. Let’s get started with everything you need to know about Topsail Island.
Talk like a local
Part of traveling is learning all the unique and different accents and local lingo. Many visitors to Topsail Island pronounce it just as it is spelled, but this (as any local can tell you) is incorrect. If you listen to the locals chatting or speak with one of our friendly reservationist you will quickly here the distinct way the local pronounce Topsail Island. So how do you talk like a local. The first step is to drop the "sail" and and think of windowsill. Add the "sill" to Top and you end up with what sounds like Topsill and there you have it you are one step closer to being a local.
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How our beautiful island got its name
How Topsail Island got its name is not exactly known. However, there are a couple of competing theories.The first theory is that the island’s name was created by J.G. Anderson when he developed the southern end of the island. Prior to Mr. Anderson developing the southern end of the island, there were charts, which referenced a "New Topsail Inlet" ; however, it is unlikely he had access to these charts. However, there is another theory and it involves pirates!
Any visitor to the North Carolina coast knows that pirates were a part of of local history. Up and down the North Carolina coast pirates raided local shores, attacked shipping channels and generally created havoc on the coastal waters we now love to visit. This was particularly true between 1630-and 1720. Many historians and locals believe the island got its name due to the fact that pirates would hide behind the local islands leaving only their Topsails viewable from to the spying eyes of the authorities.
Topsail Island's first residents
Many people are under the mistake belief that the North Carolina coast was a largely uninhabited part of the state. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. The local Native American's historically did not live on the island itself as it was far too exposed to the elements. But, Native Americans of the Tuscarora tribe fished, foraged and hunted on the islands for thousands of years before Topsail Island became the destination it is today.
Defending the coast
Just a short drive from Topsail Island you will find Camp Davis. Located in Holly Ridge Camp Davis was a trainging base used during World War II. The base trained thousands of soldiers in the use of anti-aircraft guns. Many people are unaware that it was common for ships to be sunk by German U-Boats, just a few miles off the coast of Topsail Island.
Troops built a bridge to access the island and place anti-aircraft batteries on the island providing a critical part of the defense of the US coast line.
Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)
Once can't overlook the contribution of some of America's bravest women. The women of the Women's Airforce Service (WASP) was an all volunteer, all female group of pilots. These brave women were the first women in the Unites States Armed Forces to fly military aircraft. At the time the organization was created it was a top-secret group and few knew of its existence.
The main mission of these female aviators were to tow targets and to fly "radar deception" missions up and down the North Carolina coast. Two of these women made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in service to the war effort.
Home to a secret missile program
Did you know that Topsail Island was home to a secret missile program named Operation Bumblebee? Operation Bumblebee (named due to the seemingly impossible aerodynamic problems related to rocket flight) was run by the Navy. The operation was a code name given to the program that developed the first "ram-jet" technology. These tests laid the foundation for today's modern jet and rocket propulsion. Even today there are still signs of Operation Bumblebee on Topsail Island. For history buffs, there are still several structures on the island including two towers that are now private residence. One of the other remaining structures was converted into the Missiles and More Museum which is a must-visit destination for any Topsail Island Vacation.
Now that you’ve learned a little bit more about Topsail Island, it’s time to book your fall beach vacation. Give us a call today at 800-497-5463 to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable reservationists or click the button below to see our current inventory of vacation homes.
