Topsail Island is believed to have gotten its name from the pirates that used to hang out in the area using the barrier islands to hide their pirate ships, waiting for unsuspecting merchant ships. The sound made an ideal place to sit in wait and allowed them to surprise their prey. The merchant ship crews soon realized the dangers that lay for them in the area along North Carolina and would look for the “top sails” rising above the barrier island. So, the barrier island became Topsail (pronounced Top’sl). It is believed that Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet, notorious pirates, used this island as a burial place for their treasure and pirate activities.

The island is 26 miles long and has maritime forests and beautiful, clean beaches. It reaches into both Pender and Onslow counties with the northern part in Onslow County with North Topsail Beach and the southern part in Pender County which includes Surf City and Topsail Beach.

The island was not connected to the mainland until World War II when the US Navy took it over and with John Hopkins University Physics Laboratory, “Operation Bumblebee” began the space program of the United States. A bridge and roads were built to connect the island to the mainland and to facilitate the military operations from Camp Davis, in Holly Ridge. This swing bridge is still in operation today and was the main entrance to the island for many years.

Located on the most beautiful island in the world, Topsail Island, and nestled in the Surf City area, our Troop is so fortunate to be a part of this island. Fishing, vacationing tourism, and coastal living are what this area offers along with wonderful citizens. The Boy Scouts of Troop 777 are becoming knowledgeable, productive, and caring citiizens of this neighborhood.