Unless you are a frequent visitor to North Carolina’s Topsail Island, you may not know the fascinating history behind the popular island. The barrier island is 26 miles long and includes the popular beach towns of North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach, and is accessible by way of two main bridges to the mainland. However, prior to WWII, the only way onto the island was by boat – or by foot, if you could brave the empty marsh at low tide.
But all of that changed shortly after World War II.
Topsail became a military testing site for a new technology using surface to air missiles. During the war, US Navy ships had been hit by bombs that glided over the waters (glide bombs) and intense efforts began to create a defense missile. The efforts became known as Operation Bumblebee.
Operation Bumblebee sought to create a missile that would be able to reach enemy aircraft from long distances.
In 1947, Topsail Island would become the permanent testing and launch facility. The testing firing of missiles from Topsail Island lasted from March of 1947 through July of 1948. Beyond that, testing transferred to a base in California. But the signs of testing activities and some of the structures that had been built on what is now one of the most sought after vacation destinations in North Carolina still remain.
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The easiest place to see and learn about the fascinating history behind this North Carolina island, is at the missile museum.
The Topsail Historical Society hosts the Missiles and More Museum at the former test sight. The Museum is an ideal way to wrap your mind around part of the military history surrounding Topsail. You can get up close to missiles, and learn about their ranges and more. But there is more Operations Bumblebee history to see on the island...
They were observation towers for observing and recording the testing operations. Many of them are still intact, creating some odd looks from visitors who aren't aware of the island's past. Some people actually believe they're bomb shelters.
Others, especially residents, embrace the important role Topsail Island played in the history of defending America.
At least four of the eight observation towers have been integrated into single-family dwellings. If you look carefully as you're riding around the island, you can spot them.
The role the U.S. Navy played in the history of Topsail isn’t the only significant role this barrier island has played in military history. Prior to the U.S. Navy’s use of Topsail as a testing facility for missiles, the U.S. Army used the island (then covered in a maritime forest) as a training facility for recruits.
Did you know about the fascinating military history behind this beloved island in North Carolina?
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