Holly Ridge, North Carolina, began as a small agricultural settlement in Onslow County. For much of its early history, it was a quiet and close-knit farming community, relatively untouched by outside growth or development. That changed dramatically in the 1940s when global events brought the town onto the national stage.
A defining moment for Holly Ridge came with the establishment of Camp Davis in 1940. Constructed as a U.S. Army anti-aircraft artillery training installation, the base transformed the town overnight. Spanning more than 45,000 acres and containing over 1,000 buildings, Camp Davis quickly became one of the country’s largest military facilities of its kind. At its height, it supported more than 100,000 soldiers and service members, including a large contingent of the Women’s Army Corps (WACs). Holly Ridge became one of the few places during World War II where women trained and served in such significant numbers.
The military buildup led directly to Holly Ridge’s incorporation as a town in 1941. Roads, utilities, housing, and local businesses expanded rapidly to meet the needs of troops and their families. For a time, the once-quiet settlement became a busy center of military life.
When World War II ended, Camp Davis was closed and dismantled, leaving the town to adjust to a sharp drop in both population and economic activity. Portions of the land and facilities were later adapted for civilian purposes, and traces of the camp remain visible. The nearby Topsail Island Missile Test Area—originally tied to Camp Davis—was even used for early guided missile experiments, work that contributed to America’s postwar space efforts.
In the decades that followed, Holly Ridge settled back into a quieter pace, often referred to as a “bedroom community.” However, beginning in the late 2000s, the town entered a new period of growth. Today, its strong military heritage, convenient coastal location, and access to major highways continue to draw new residents and businesses to the area.
