Emerald Isle North Carolina History

Emerald Isle is a relatively new community in North Carolina's Outer Banks. In 1951, the westernmost thirteen miles of the Bogue Banks barrier island were sold to seven investors from Red Springs, North Carolina. The price awarded to Mrs. Anita Fort Maulik, the previous owner, was the highest purchase price recorded in Carteret County at the time, at $350,000. The investors would name this land Emerald Isle.

So why "Emerald Isle?" A consultant for the investors was brought in from Florida to help with the development of this land. When he saw the as-yet-undeveloped island from the air, it seemed like a sparkling green gem in the blue sea. He declared the the place should be known as Emerald Isle.

Since 1960, Emerald Isle has grown from a population of only 14 to over 3,000 people, with over 50,000 visiting rental properties in the summer.

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