Holly Ridge boasted a large population during World War II when Camp Davis was established as an Army coastal artillery and antiaircraft training base. The town is now a quiet place enjoyed by longtime residents who find pleasure in the friendly services of locally owned restaurants and retail stores. Topsail Island is a small place with a big history. From the early Indians and explorers in the 1500s to pirates, the Civil War Era, World War II and Operation Bumblebee to the present, much has been documented about the Topsail area. This history can be found in the Missiles and More Museum on Channel Boulevard in Topsail Beach.
Local residents are protective of their environment.
This is particularly evident in the Topsail Turtle Project and Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, both totally run by volunteers. Many of the volunteers locate and monitor loggerhead turtle nests until the young turtles are hatched and make their way to the sea, while others maintain the center and care for sick and injured sea turtles until they have been rehabilitated and returned to the ocean. Still others take responsibility for the Turtle Talks at Surf City Town Hall, where participants can learn about the turtles and how they can help protect them. A visit to the Turtle Hospital, as it is affectionately known, is a real highlight of a Topsail Island vacation. The greater Topsail Island area is a friendly place, offering a nice balance between residents and visitors and busy and quiet times.