Swansboro
A Historic Waterfront With Stories to Tell
Perched along the shores of the White Oak River, Swansboro hints of a simpler time in North Carolina’s past. At more than 200 years old, the historic waterfront haven rests on rolling hills, looking over the scenic river.
Built on the remains of an Algonquian Indian village, Swansboro traces its beginnings to the 1730s, when Jonathan and Grace Green moved south from Falmouth, Massachusetts and settled here. Swannsborough, as it was originally known, was incorporated in 1783, making it the oldest town in Onslow County. Named after Samuel Swann, prominent in North Carolina’s pre-Revolutionary history as Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, the town became an established seaport in 1786.
Today, Swansboro is known as a quiet and unique waterfront town, with a vibrant arts community and many special events throughout the year. In fact, the oldest festival in North Carolina, the Mullet Festival, takes place here the second Saturday in October. Business showcases, oyster roasts, open houses, arts festivals and firework displays bring people from around the area to this small town year round.
Opportunities for recreation abound, too. Vacationers are invited to use the local wildlife boat access ramp. Explore the White Oak River by canoe or kayak, or charter a boat for an exciting fishing charter. Cyclists will love the 25-mile Swansboro Bicentennial Bicycle Trail, which travels along the Croatan National Forest and Cedar Point Recreational Area.
Venture by ferry or private boat to Hammock’s Beach State Park on Bear Island to experience Onslow County’s coastal shores in a rustic setting. Bear Island served as an Indian hideout in the Tuscarora Wars of 1711 and 1713.
Another gem among Swansboro’s notable sites is Huggins Island. Comprised of 225 acres and located at the mouth of the White Oak River, the island is important because its natural habitats and vegetation include a maritime swamp and lowland marsh that provide homes for coastal wildlife.
So slow down a bit and experience the nostalgic atmosphere of Swansboro, a friendly and historic seaport with many stories to tell.
For more information, visit www.tourswansboro.com.
Swansboro Listings
| Duck’s Grille and Bar Located in Downtown Swansboro 99 Church Street Swansboro, NC 1-910-326-7300 www.DucksGrilleandBar.com  Michaelangelo’s Pizza Atlantic Beach • 252-240-3333 Atlantic Station Shopping Center and Cape Carteret • 252-393-3333 Carteret Crossing Shopping Center and Emerald Isle • 252-354-7424 Emerald Plantation Shopping Center and Swansboro • 910-326-1946 Corner Square Shopping Center   |
Nancy Lee Fishing Center Between the Bridges on Hwy. 24, just 3 miles from Emerald Isle Swansboro, NC 252-354-3474 910-326-4304  Riverside Steak & Seafood Hwy. 24, 506 W. Corbett Ave. Swansboro, NC 910-326-8847 www.the-riverside-swansboro.com  Yana’s Restaurant 119 Front Street Historic Downtown Swansboro 910-326-5501 www.yanamamas.com |