Caswell Beach
- 2000 Census Population – 370
- 47.3 % male
- 52.7% female
- Median Age 59.9
- Total Housing Units – 571
- Occupied housing units – 187
- Vacant Housing Units –384
- Seasonal, recreational or occasional use –333
- 2004 Population Estimate –443
Things To Do & Points of Interest
Oak Island LighthouseThe Oak Island Lighthouse that is located at the tip of Caswell Beach was completed in 1958 for the cost of $110,000. The structure which is 158 feet tall was built to sway as much as 3 inches in a 100 mile per hour wind. There is not a spiral staircase as found in older lighthouses but instead a series of ships ladders. There are a total of 134 steps, which will lead you to the lantern gallery level. The 11 foot tall aluminum lantern housing was installed by Marine Corps helicopters. The Oak Island light is located on property that has been in use as a US Coast Guard station since the 1930s, and prior to that it was a US Lifesaving Station. While the Coast Guard has retained responsibility for the upkeep of the lights, Caswell Beach now has responsibility for maintenance of the lighthouse and the grounds. In 2004 the lighthouse and the surrounding property were deeded to the Town of Caswell Beach along with adjacent beachfront property. The town has made provisions for additional parking as well as providing access to the lighthouse grounds and a boardwalk access to the beach with an observation deck.
Fort CaswellFort Caswell, is located at the tip of Caswell Beach at the mouth of the Cape Fear River to the south is the Atlantic Ocean and to the north is the Elizabeth River. Considered one of the strongest forts in the world when it was built in 1825, Fort Caswell originally covered 2,800 acres at the eastern end of Oak Island. It was the first thing constructed on Oak Island and its inhabitants were some of the first people to permanently settle on the island when it was still connected to the mainland by marshlands. Fort Caswell was built simply because Southport and Bald Head Island were havens for notorious pirates, including Blackbeard.
On January 31, 1946 Fort Caswell was designated as a war surplus and assigned for disposal. The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina purchased the 250-acre fort from the government on September 1949 for $86,000. The remains of the citadel are still intact and are preserved by the Baptist Assembly of North Carolina, Fort Caswell is open year round with the exception of Christmas Eve through New Years Day. The tours are self-guided and are available from eight in the morning until five in the evening. For more information please contact the NC Baptist Assembly at (910)278-9501 or via e-mail at reservations@fortcaswell.com.
North Carolina Baptist AssemblyThe North Carolina Baptist assembly is located at the Eastern most part of Caswell Beach. Purchased in 1949 from the federal government (formerly Fort Caswell) this 250-acre tract is owned and operated by the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. There goal is to provide a wonderful facility for its programs and activities to its member churches and agencies.
There Mission statement is: "The North Carolina Baptist Assembly" is owned and operated by the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina for the purpose of providing a facility for programs, activities, and retreats of the Baptist State Convention, Associations, Churches, Agencies and Institutions of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. You may contact them at (910)278-9501 or via e-mail at reservations@fortcaswell.com.
Oak Island Golf ClubBuilt in 1962 by George Cobb, this 18-hole 5,973-yard course that features Bermuda grass, which meanders through Yaupon and Caswell beaches. It offers many a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean to players as they enjoy the 53 bunkers, water challenges, and coastal winds. Presenting a challenge to any golfer, the Oak Island Club course will please even the most experienced golfer with its challenges, scenery, and friendly staff. A full practice facility complete with sand traps, putting green and driving range is available to help fine-tune your game. The course also features a full service Pro Shop, snack bar, men's and ladies locker rooms, banquet/meeting facilities, and a full service restaurant:"Duffers Pub & Grille".
Major Events & Festivals:
Oak Island Lighthouse Run/WalkOn April 14, 2007 the 9th annual 10K & 1st annual 5K event will take place. The 10K will begin at the Brunswick County Airport, cross over the Oak Island Bridge, take a scenic tour of marsh and oceanfront views in Oak Island and Caswell Beach, passes by the Oak Island Lighthouse, then ending at the NC Baptist Assembly, Fort Caswell. The 5K will begin around Caswell Beach Town Hall sharing the 10K route out Caswell Beach Road with the ocean on one side the marshland to the other and the Oak Island Lighthouse in front of you beckoning you on to the finish at the NC Baptist Assembly, Fort Caswell. They are both point-to-point events and both beginning at 8:30am. Busses will depart the registration area at the NC Baptist Assembly for the starting areas at 7:00am, 7:30am, and 8:00am. The cost to enter is $20, active military entry fee $15 and includes a t-shirt or tank top. Awards for runners top three overall male/female, top three in numerous age groups male/female, active military overall male/female, and overall seasoned runner awards. For detailed information including registration form and prize information click here. Plus, the Wilmington Roadrunners web site has all results and finish times for the 2004 event. To register for the event online, visit Active.com. For more information contact: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, 4841 Long Beach Road, SE, Southport, NC 28461. Phone: 800-457-6964 or e-mail us at events@southport-oakisland.com.
Brunswick Concert BandThe Brunswick Concert Band is a voluntary organization consisting of approximately 60 members. They have been performing concert band for over 14 years. The ages of the members range form 19 to 85. They perform two major concerts each year one in the spring and one during the Christmas season. The concerts are held at Hatch auditorium located at the NC Baptist Assembly. The next concert is scheduled for December 14th at approximately 7:00pm. The concerts are free of charge. For more information please contact Stanley Montell at (910)457-0861.
Sea Notes Choral Society Spring ConcertThe Sea Notes consist of a group of over a hundred plus volunteer music lovers that enjoy the pleasure of singing and sharing there joy with the local community. They perform three times a year free of charge once in the spring, 4th of July, and Christmas time. You are invited to join them for their Christmas concert, which will, take place on Friday December 1st at 8:00pm and Sunday December 3rd at 3:00pm. The concert will be held at Hatch Auditorium located inside of the NC Baptist Assembly, For more information please visit there website at www.sea-notes.com. Oak Island Lighthouse