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Breathtaking views from every direction. Sit in your beach chair on the eastern tip of Caswell Beach and look to your right to see the Atlantic Ocean, to your left Intracoastal Waterway, Cape Fear River and Southport’s Waterfront and almost directly in front of you is the Cape Fear River Shipping Channel and Bald Head Island.
The Town takes its name from Fort Caswell, which was built by the U.S. Army and named for the first Governor of North Carolina, Richard Caswell. Fort Caswell was completed in 1836 and was used to guard the port of Wilmington which at the time was the state’s largest city. It was used by the Confederate Army during the Civil War, the U.S. Army in World War I, the U.S. Navy as anti-submarine base during World War II and in 1949 the North Carolina Baptist Assembly purchased Fort Caswell from the U.S. Government for $86,000. It remains the property of the North Carolina Baptist Assembly and welcomes thousands of visitors of all denominations each year for quiet reflection and relaxation.
Also, at the eastern tip of Caswell Beach are the U.S. Coast Guard Station and the Oak Island Lighthouse. The U.S. Coast Guard Station has been in operation at this location since the 1930’s. Before the Coast Guard Station, it was a U.S. Life Saving Station. The Oak Island Lighthouse was completed in 1958 and remains operational although in 2004 the lighthouse and the surrounding property were deeded to the Town of Caswell Beach along with adjacent beachfront property. The Coast Guard retained responsibility for the upkeep of the lights while the Town of Caswell Beach now has responsibility for maintenance of the lighthouse and the grounds. Tours of the lighthouse are available. Click to sign up for a tour to the top.
Caswell Beach is a residential community with a blend of year-round and summer homes and condos. The only business in Caswell Beach is the Oak Island Golf Club. The distinctive location of the course makes for a challenging game of golf with spectacular views of the ocean, marsh, fairways and wooded areas.
The 2012 year-round population was 401. Annual Chamber organized event held in April -Oak Island Lighthouse 5k, 10k and 1/2 Marathon. Visit the Town of Caswell Beach website.
Read about the communities of Bald Head Island, Boiling Spring Lakes, Bolivia, Brunswick County, Oak Island, St. James, Southport and Sunset Harbor.