1980 Map of Holly Ridge

About this map

Holly Ridge serves as the inland anchor for this coastal survey, where the terrestrial landscape of Onslow County meets the intricate barrier island systems of the Atlantic coast. This color infrared orthophotograph, captured in late 1980, reveals the distinct boundary between the managed timber and agricultural lands of Edgecombe and the salt-sprayed development of Surf City. The intricate network of tidal waterways, including Topsail Sound and smaller inlets like Mullet Run and Virginia Creek, defines the local geography. Coastal settlements such as Watts Landing and Morris Landing dot the inner shoreline, while Topsail Beach sits at the southern reach of the barrier island. Further inland, the drainage patterns of Batts Mill Creek and Cypress Branch illustrate the slow transition from freshwater swamps to the marine environment.