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Welcome to
Varnamtown,NC

Varnamtown is centrally located in Southern Brunswick County, just to the north of the beach communities of Oak Island & Holden Beach. The town is situated on the banks of the Lockwood Folly River and retains its identity as a fishing community.

Seafood Houses on Lockwood Folly River in Varnamtown NC

603

Current Residents

.97

Square Miles

1988

Year Incorporated
Varnamtown ton hall sign

Mission / Vision

The Town of Varnamtown has historically enjoyed a single family, rural lifestyle.

Mission

To provide a safe, quiet environment for residents to raise their families and enjoy the natural beauty of our area.

Vision

To seek sustainable growth and protect the natural resources that make Varnamtown unique.

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Our History

Varnamtown was named after the Varnam family.  Members of the family first came to the North Carolina coast from New England and have lived in and around the Varnamtown area for 200 years.

~1860

First Varnam Settles Near Lockwood Folly River

Members of the Varnam family came to the North Carolina Coast from the maritime part of New England. Other families, including Dixons and Galloways also settled the area. They have lived in and around the area for 200 years, many working as fishermen, vessel captains, and boat builders.

Early 1900s

W. Harry Varnam Opens General Store

In the early 1900's W. Harry Varnam opened a store along the river, which received freight and supplies from Wilmington. The North Carolina Highway Department erected a sign on Stanbury Road that read "Varnam's 1 Mile," referring to the distance from the sign to the store.

1954

First Seafood Market Opens on the Lockwood Folly

Garland "Honey" Varnam opens the first fish house on the Lockwood Folly River on October 1st, 1954. Over the years, many would follow his lead, resulting in Varnamtown's lasting identity as a quaint fishing village.

1954

Hurricane Hazel Devastates the Area

On October 15th, 1954, Hurricane Hazel brings record-breaking wind and storm surge to the Carolina Coast, destroying most of the structures along the Lockwood Folly river. Honey Varnam's fish house was destroyed in the storm and rebuilt in its current location.

1988

Varnamtown Incorporates as Municipality

Varnamtown incorporated as a municipality in 1988. All but 4 residents voted to incorporate as a town. As of the 2020 census, the population of Varnamtown is 603.

1998

Jesse R. Caison Park is Completed

The park, with event, playground, and baseball facilities, as well as ample parking, lighting, and bathrooms, was completed in 1998 to honor Jesse R. Caison.

1993

Varnamtown Completes Public Boat Ramp

Varnamtown's first boat ramp was constructed, funded by a grant from the NC Resources Commission.

2019

Mayor Judy Galloway Retires

Judy Galloway retires after 30 years as mayor of Varnamtown, the longest consecutive mayoral service of any North Carolina municipality.