Onslow is one of North Carolina's oldest counties, and its past reflects a rich and varied history. It was named for the Honorable Arthur Onslow, who served for many years as speaker of the British House of Commons. Early settlements in the area occurred along the fertile waterways of Bear Creek and the White Oak and New Rivers. Swansboro, a picturesque village and port located at the mouth of the White Oak River, is listed on the national register of Historic Places. The town has a rich maritime history which spans Colonial and Civil War eras. Unique shops and original homes have been restored to preserve this history. Bicentennial Park on the waterfront features a statue of local hero, Otway Burns, a privateer and builder of the first steamboat constructed in North Carolina. Visit the Swansboro Chamber of Commerce WEB SITE Sneads Ferry attracted settlers in the 1700's because of the abundant seafood in local waters, and a thriving fishing industry developed. Fresh local seafood is the specialty enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. Visit www.sneadsferrynorthcarolina.com Richlands township emerged as an agricultural center and became the site of the first graded school, the first public high school and the first library in the county. Today, Richlands is the home of the Onslow County Museum which features changing exhibits reflecting the history of the area. Topsail Island enjoys a colorful history beginning with the Tuscarona Indians who used the island as a hunting ground. According to local legend, swashbuckling pirates like Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet made the waterways their home in the late 1600's as they sailed out to attack merchant ships passing the Atlantic Coast. Holly Ridge and Topsail Island played an important role in the development of modern jet propulsion in the 1940's. Holly Ridge was the site of Camp Davis, headquarters for "Operation Bumblebee," the program that pioneered technology for the ramjet and missile guidance systems. Concrete observation towers used in the missile launchings may be seen today on the island, and the Topsail Island Museum displays exhibits and artifacts from this important era of aviation history. Visit the Greater Topsail Island Chamber of Commerce WEB SITE Jacksonville's early growth was sponsored by a thriving naval stores industry and the establishment of a courthouse there in 1755. First known as Wantland's Ferry, because of the major north-south ferry crossing, the town was later named after President Andrew Jackson. Today it is the state's 7th largest commercial center. Visit the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce WEB SITE Camp Lejeune was originally a Marine Corps Training Center begun in 1941. Named after Lt. General John A. Lejeune, the base, which includes nearby New River Air Station, covers 151,000 acres and houses the largest marine expeditionary force in the world. Visit the Camp Lejeune WEB SITE