Timeline: A look at major milestones in the history of Oak Island and St. James

Renee Spencer, Wilmington StarNews
·2 min read

Oak Island and St. James were incorporated on July 1, 1999, officially becoming towns. As they mark 25 years, here's a look at some of the major milestones in their history.

1954: Hazel brings devastation to Oak Island and Southport.

1955: The town of Yaupon Beach is incorporated. The town of Long Beach is incorporated.

1971: Swing bridge to Oak Island destroyed after it was struck by a barge.

A tale of two towns: Oak Island and St. James mark 25 years of growth, look to the future

Aerial photo of the new Oak Island Bridge from August 2018.
Aerial photo of the new Oak Island Bridge from August 2018.

1972: Construction of the G.V. Barbee Bridge begins. The bridge will connect Oak Island to the mainland, replacing the swing bridge.

1975: G.V. Barbee Bridge opens to traffic.

1983: St. James developer Homer Wright purchases the land that will become St. James Plantation.

1985: Construction begins on St. James Plantation.

1991: The first homes in St. James are built and the neighborhood’s first golf course, The Gauntlet (later renamed The Founders Club), opens.

The St. James Beach Club is located at 123 Southeast 72nd Street in Oak Island.
The St. James Beach Club is located at 123 Southeast 72nd Street in Oak Island.

1995: The Beach Club, St. James by the Sea, is built on nearby Oak Island. The Members Club and course and The Players Club course are completed.

1998: St. James Fire Department is established.

1999: Oak Island becomes a town on July 1. St. James becomes a town on July 1.

2006: Food Lion, the first chain grocery store on Oak Island, opens.

2009: St. James Town Hall and Community Center break ground.

Construction is almost complete on the Oak Island bridge on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010. The bridge opened later that year and was named the Swain's Cut Bridge.
Construction is almost complete on the Oak Island bridge on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010. The bridge opened later that year and was named the Swain's Cut Bridge.

2010: Swain’s Cut Bridge connecting Oak Island to the mainland at Midway Road opens to traffic.

2011: St. James Town Hall and Community Center open.

2016: Midway Commons and Dosher Wellness Center open. Work begins on St. James Drive Extension to Middleton Road.

2018: G.V. Barbee Bridge closes for repairs.

Cars cross the G.V. Barbee Bridge onto Oak Island, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2018. The bridge closed in September 2018 for repairs and re-opened in 2019.
Cars cross the G.V. Barbee Bridge onto Oak Island, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2018. The bridge closed in September 2018 for repairs and re-opened in 2019.

2019: G.V. Barbee Bridge re-opens with upgraded guardrails and other improvements. N.C. 211 widening project begins.

2020: Publix opens on Oak Island, bringing a second chain grocery store to the island.

2022: St. James submits a request to Brunswick County for an extraterritorial jurisdiction. After the planning board recommends denial, the town withdraws the request.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Major milestones in the history of Oak Island, St. James in North Carolina