Swansboro, NC History: Fun Facts & Stories You May Not Know

Known today as the Friendly City by the Sea, Swansboro, North Carolina is one of the most charming and historic waterfront towns in Coastal North Carolina.

Swansboro Is One of the Oldest Towns in Coastal North Carolina

Swansboro was officially established in the early 1700s, making it one of the oldest towns in Eastern North Carolina. Long before modern bridges and highways, Swansboro served as a vital port town for trade along the White Oak River.

Fun fact: Swansboro was once an important stop for ships traveling between inland farms and coastal ports—long before nearby beach towns even existed.

Pirates Probably Passed Through Swansboro Waters

While Swansboro doesn’t always get the pirate spotlight like Beaufort, its waterways were heavily traveled during the Golden Age of Piracy. Pirates—including those believed to have connections to Blackbeard—navigated nearby inlets and rivers.

Not-so-common fact: Shallow rivers like the White Oak made perfect hiding spots for smaller pirate vessels avoiding naval ships.

The Name “Swansboro” Has a Story

The town’s name is believed to come from Theodore Swann, an early colonial settler and landowner. Over time, “Swann’s Borough” evolved into Swansboro.

Swansboro Was a Shipbuilding & Fishing Hub

Long before tourism and waterfront dining, Swansboro NC was a hardworking maritime town. Locals built boats, fished the surrounding waters, and harvested oysters and seafood from the river and nearby sounds.

The Hammocks: A Hidden Piece of History

One of the most unique historical features of Swansboro is the area known as The Hammocks—small elevated land areas surrounded by marsh. These natural formations protected early settlers from flooding and insects.

Swansboro Survived Wars, Storms & Changing Times

Swansboro has endured the American Revolution, the Civil War, hurricanes, and economic shifts from trade to tourism. Unlike many towns, Swansboro adapted rather than disappeared—preserving its history while continuing to grow.

A Bridge That Changed Everything

Before the modern bridge connecting Swansboro to Emerald Isle, access to the beach required ferries. The bridge transformed Swansboro from a quiet river town into a gateway to the Crystal Coast.

A Town With Stories Still to Tell

Swansboro, North Carolina is more than just a charming coastal town—it’s a place shaped by pirates, shipbuilders, settlers, and the sea.

Vanessa Justice | 252-503-9313 | [email protected]