Betcha Didn’t Know…10 Facts about our beautiful Emerald Isle

So, where exactly is Emerald Isle? Emerald Isle overlooks an inlet that is part of Bogue

Banks– the real gem of the beautiful Crystal

Coast of North Carolina. The beautiful little town

of Emerald Isle is only about 5 sq mi, but holds

a lot of history, character, and charm.

Emerald Isle was first home to the Algonquian

Indians. Later (around the 1730s), it was settled

by whalers and fisherman. Emerald Isle,

like many areas along the Crystal Coast are well

known for their roots with whalers and

fisherman. And with our great, fresh seafood,

there can be no doubt that Emerald Isle and

fishing go waaay back.

North Carolina, and specifically the areas

around the Crystal Coast are well known for being

pirate territory. Blackbeard himself frequently sailed

these waters and it would be no surprise to see

pirates taking advantage of the beautiful beaches of Emerald Isle in the early

1740s.

In the 1920s, Emerald Isle and much of the

surrounding land was owned by a man named

Henry Fort who wanted to open up the area for a

tourist attraction, it was later inherited to his daughter Anita Fort

Maulick who then sold the land for $350,000. This was the largest amount for land

sold at the time on the Crystal Coast. I don’t know who would want to give up their piece of Emerald Isle, but I’m just telling it how it

happened.

The land that was sold by Anita in 1975, went to 7 landholders who split

the 12 miles of total land into 54 plots. They then

chose out of a hat to determine who got each plot! I don’t know about you, but I don’t think any of them got slighted on that deal as every bit of

Emerald Isle is simply gorgeous!

The ferry service opened in 1960 which allowed for families to have another way to

enjoy Bogue Banks and Emerald Isle. Today,

the ferry system is still up and running

allowing for families to continue to enjoy this

route of relaxing transportation.

1971 opened a new chapter in Emerald Isle history as the Cameron

Langston Bridge was opened to provide

access to Emerald Isle from Cedar Island. This amazing bridge spans

the Intracoastal Waterway providing

stunning views to welcome you to the

Crystal Coast. Emerald Isle development

increased after that time as the island became

more accessible.

Although Emerald Isle was settled in the

1700s and even earlier by Native American

peoples, it didn’t begin to pick up a large

population until the 1950s brought more tourism to the area. Since then, Emerald Isle has grown to a

modest size while still maintaining its pristine

beaches and natural resources. Today,

Emerald Isle is home to around 3,700 people. And here’s the good

news: you can make it your vacation home

too!

Emerald Isle beaches are also a seasonal home for many sea

turtles, mainly Loggerhead sea turtles.

From Florida, female loggerheads will travel all the way to Emerald

Isle beaches to lay around 120 eggs. No

distance is too far to be in Emerald Isle, and I think the loggerhead

would agree!

I’m sure that you already knew this, but

one more awesome fact about Emerald Isle? It’s the home base for Sun-Surf

Realty! Your number one place to find great deals on the vacation

rental of your dreams! We can’t wait to serve

you and help your history to be

intertwined with the rich history of Emerald

Isle.

There’s so much more to discover about Emerald isle!

Find out more by experiencing it for yourself. Visit emerald isle

today!