The Cold-War Towers of Topsail Island
Concrete Time Capsules from a Supersonic Past
Topsail Island, a picturesque 26-mile barrier island off the coast of North Carolina, is best known today for its sandy beaches, sea turtle sanctuaries, and laid-back coastal charm. But hidden in plain sight among pastel beach homes and wind-swept dunes are eight mysterious concrete towers—silent sentinels from one of the most fascinating and little-known chapters in American military history.
Welcome to Operation Bumblebee, where science fiction met coastal Carolina in a top-secret mission that helped pioneer the supersonic age.
Operation Bumblebee: Supersonic Ambitions with a Quirky Name
After World War II, the U.S. Navy partnered with Johns Hopkins University to find a remote coastal site for testing revolutionary ramjet missile technology. From 1946 to 1948, Topsail Island transformed into a classified missile testing facility.
During that period, over 200 missiles were launched from the island, laying the groundwork for today’s cruise missiles and supersonic flight systems. The project was dubbed “Bumblebee”—a lighthearted name symbolizing seemingly impossible flight, much like the ambitious technology it aimed to develop.
Standing Watch: The Tower Legacy
To support these missile tests, the Navy constructed eight reinforced concrete towers along the island’s coastline. Equipped with tracking gear and high-speed cameras, they were built to withstand the elements—and they’ve done just that.
Some towers were repurposed into homes. Others sit abandoned, weathered by storms and time. One was even demolished after a series of tragic accidents. But together, they remain unique relics of American aerospace history.
The Tower Tour Guide: Where to Find Topsail’s Towers
Tower #1 – 1930 South Anderson Boulevard (Sound side)
Located at the intersection of South Anderson Boulevard and Hines Avenue in Topsail Beach, 6.6 miles south of Surf City’s main crossroads. A two-story residential addition was built in 1949. The tower was converted into a home in the 1990s, and the addition was removed during renovations completed just before Hurricane Fran in 1996.
Tower #2 – 1000 Block South Anderson Boulevard (Sound side)
Found in the Queen’s Grant neighborhood of Topsail Beach, about 4.9 miles south of the NC 50 and NC 210 intersection. Tower #2 remains in original condition, isolated by a narrow channel, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tower #3 – 3008 South Shore Drive (Ocean side)
At the corner of South Shore Drive and Hispanola Avenue, about 3.6 miles south of central Surf City. A one-story wing and wraparound porch were added in the 1950s.
Tower #4 – 1408 South Shore Drive (Ocean side)
Located 1.6 miles south of central Surf City, the tower is wedged between multi-story homes. Originally used as a hot dog stand in the 1950s, it became a residence in 1999. Its notable features include a spiral staircase from ground to top floor.
Tower #5 – 332 N. Shore Drive (Sound side)
Just north of Surf City, near New Bern Avenue and NC 210. Like Tower #2, it remains mostly unaltered. Renovations began in 1994 and continued over six years, including the addition of a penthouse, making it one of the tallest buildings on the island.
Tower #6 – 408 Island Drive (Ocean side)
Located in North Topsail Beach near the former Ocean City Pier, about 3.5 miles north of Surf City. The surrounding restaurant and pier were destroyed by Hurricane Fran in 1996, but the tower remains, now next to a modern home.
Tower #7 – 3900 Island Drive (Ocean side)
Renovated into a 4,000 square-foot home around 1992. Though hidden from the street, the original tower is still visible from the beach.
Tower #8 – North Topsail Beach (Ocean side)
Known as the Jeffreys Tower, this was the northernmost of the eight. Originally located off Secondary Road 1568 in an undeveloped area. It was converted into a house, but vandalism and tragic accidents—including three deaths—led the owner to demolish it in 1989.
More Missile-Era Landmarks to Visit
Control Tower – 802 S. Anderson Boulevard
Located at the corner of South Anderson Boulevard and Flake Avenue. A three-story concrete building that served as the island’s missile control hub. The structure has changed little since its Navy days, apart from the removal of the rooftop platform. It became a family home after being purchased in 1958.
Assembly Building – 720 Channel Boulevard (Sound side)
This 77-by-82-foot facility was where rockets were built and stored. It features reinforced concrete walls and timber roof trusses. Situated near the Intracoastal Waterway, just two blocks from South Anderson Boulevard.
Launching Platform – 800 Ocean Boulevard (Ocean side)
Located just east of the control tower, this area now hosts the Jolly Roger Inn. The concrete launch pad remains as part of the motel’s foundation. A former observation bunker beneath it now serves as a storage room.
Fun Facts That Make This Story Even Cooler
- Bumblebee Buzz: The project helped develop the Navy’s Terrier, Tartar, and Talos missile systems.
- Home Sweet (Missile) Home: Several towers have been converted into private homes.
- Artistic Muse: These towers have inspired countless local artworks and stories.
- Storm Survivors: Many towers withstood both Hurricane Hazel (1954) and Hurricane Fran (1996).
The Ghosts of the Supersonic Past
As you walk Topsail’s beaches or cruise its back roads, keep an eye out for these concrete giants. They're not just curiosities—they’re monuments to human ambition and innovation.
Whether you're a history buff, road tripper, or beachcomber, the towers of Topsail Island offer a rare glimpse into the early days of supersonic flight—when rockets roared, and Cold War secrets echoed through the dunes.