Town of Swansboro

Swansboro is located between Atlantic Beach and Topsail Island.   Swansboro offers a laid back coastal atmosphere for both residents and vacationers alike.  This Waterfront Township sits on the Intracoastal Waterway along the mouth of the White Oak River and Bogue Sound, where the Atlantic Ocean is easily accessible through Bogue Inlet.  Swansboro has many unique waterfront shops, boutiques, and waterside cafes.  The Town is also known for boating, water sports, and fishing.  From its origins as the site of an Algonquian Indian village at the mouth of the White Oak River to its current status as the "Friendly City by the Sea," Swansboro is a lovely place to visit because of its mild climate and friendly citizens.

Swansboro offers visitors an unhurried journey through time.  It's a place where seagulls and pelicans lazily float through the Carolina blue sun-kissed skies and gently lapping waves caress sandy shores as they've always done.  And it's a playground that abounds in boating, fishing, kayaking, golf, amusements, arts, and some of the finest unspoiled beaches in the country. 

One of the most enjoyable aspects of contemporary Swansboro is the historic downtown section built along the water's edge.  Here you will find specialty and antiques shops, restaurants and plenty of space to stroll and gaze at the water and boats.  The town's historic commission supervises the restoration of many of the town's oldest structures.  Several of these fine buildings now house businesses, while others remain private residences.  So take a trip through time. Experience the slower pace and aristocratic charm of early America at Swansboro NC, while surrounded by one of the most active and beautiful outdoor playgrounds in the Southeast United States. 

When visiting Swansboro you must also stop by Hammocks Beach State Park.  Hammocks Beach State park is a hidden treasure.  Located on site are a museum, gift shop, gazebo and shelters, kayak slips, and a ferry that will take you to and from one of North Carolinas most primitive Beaches, Bear Island.  Secluded and tranquil, free from intruding commercialism, Hammocks Beach State Park is a retreat for people who welcome the challenges of relentless sun, sand, sea and sky.

History

The town began about 1730, when Jonathan and Grace Green moved from Falmouth, Massachusetts, to the mouth of the White Oak River. With them, and owning half of their property, was Jonathan Green's brother, Isaac.  They lived there about five years until Jonathan Green died at the early age of 35.  His widow, Grace, married Theophilus Weeks, who had moved with his family from Falmouth to settle on Hadnot Creek a few miles up the White Oak River.

After their marriage, the Weeks moved into the Green family home on the Onslow County side of the White Oak River.  Theophilus soon purchased all of Isaac Green's interest and became sole owner of the large plantation.  Weeks first farmed, then opened a tavern and was appointed inspector of exports at the thriving port.  In 1771 he started a town on that portion of his plantation called Weeks Wharf, selling 48 numbered lots recorded as being "in the plan of a town laid out by Theophilus Weeks,"thus earning him the title of founder of the town.

Originally called Week's Point, the New-Town-upon-Bogue was established by law in 1783.  The General Assembly named the town Swannsborough, in honor of Samuel Swann, former speaker of the N.C. House of Representatives and longtime Onslow County representative.

Swansboro (the later spelling of the town's name) was home to the famous Otway Burns. During the War of 1812, this native son became a privateer with his schooner, the Snapdragon.  His participation during this "Second War of Independence" was acclaimed as an act of bravery and patriotism. After the war, he returned to the trade of shipbuilding and was later appointed keeper of the lighthouse at Portsmouth, where he died in 1850. He is buried in Beaufort's Old Burying Ground.

Swansboro's port continued to prosper, mainly because nearby pine forests produced the lumber, tar, pitch and other naval items shipped through the port. Prosperity continued until the end of the Civil War.  Then, gradually, the town came to support itself with farming and fishing.  Marine Corps bases at Cherry Point and Camp Lejeune brought economic growth during the Second World War.  Growth has continued to the present day, but Swansboro has managed to retain the quaint charm and quiet character of a picturesque colonial port while developing its successful fishing and tourist industries.

Come Visit

The waters around Swansboro are a source of sheer enjoyment.  In the protected waters of the White Oak River and Bogue Sound, hours can be spent under the summer sun in playful pursuits such as waterskiing, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking.  Nearby Bogue Inlet offers easy ocean access for terrific deep-sea fishing and offshore scuba diving.  Historical activities, festivals, fishing, clamming and moderate year-round temperatures have people coming from miles around to enjoy Swansboro. 

Swansboro comes alive with a verity of festivals and community events each year.  Annual activities include the Memorial Day Weekend.  It is one of the first major fishing tournaments of the season, and anglers up and down the East Coast come to Swansboro in search of "the big one.  Substantial cash prizes are awarded in a variety of fishing categories. 

Arts by the Sea is an arts and crafts excursion held every June along the Swansboro waterfront.

On the 4^th of July, a spectacular small town celebration explodes with a waterfront firework show.  Reflections of color off the water make the show twice as good!  The annual Swansboro Mullet Festival is a celebration in October with a full day of parades, arts and crafts exhibitions, music, dancing, carnival games, and plenty of fresh mullet, seafood, and everything else to eat!

Rounding out the year is a Christmas Flotilla on the weekend after Thanksgiving.  Where lighted reindeer ride along the intracoastal Waterway aboard local sailing crafts bringing Santa to Swansboro.

Yes, everyone loves the waters around Swansboro!