Bald
Head Island History
Dating back
thousands of years, Bald Head Island began its formation at the mouth of the Cape Fear
River. Beginning as just a small tidal flat, it began to take its form. Marsh
grasses and small scrub trees took root.
Throughout
centuries, native Indians lived throughout the island. The marsh, tidal creeks and ocean
provided excellent fishing and shell fish to feed upon.
Pirates used Bald
Head Island as a hideaway. The pirates would watch for vessels that would run
aground on the Frying Pan Shoals, and then commandeer their cargo and valuables.
Pirates often traveled from New England to the Bahamas, preying upon vessels they
encountered along the way. Bald Head was a favorite stopping point to refill their
food supply and bury some of their loot. Black Beard among others often used
this island paradise as a hideaway. Many of the streets on the island, today are
named after the famous pirates that frequented these waters.
Civil war troops
were stationed to deny access to approaching ships into the Cape Fear River Inlet.
On the island there is a fort that was used for many years by the civil war troops.
At one time many
wild pigs roamed the island and were dangerous to inhabitants. Hunters were brought
in from neighboring towns to capture and destroy the wild
boars.
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