Sneads Ferry, a community located in Onslow County, North Carolina, has a rich history tied to its location along the New River where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
Early settlement and the ferry
- 1728: Edmund Ennett established the first ferry on the New River, originally called “Ennett’s Ferry”.
- This ferry became a vital link in the Post Road connecting Suffolk, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina.
- 1759: Robert Snead became the proprietor of a ferry on the north shore of the river, and the community that grew around this crossing became known as Sneads Ferry.
- 1760: A different source indicates that Robert Snead moved to the area around 1760 and operated a tavern and a ferry.
- 1791: Another source states that Sneads Ferry was renamed for Robert Snead, an attorney who settled in the area in 1791.
- 1939: The ferry service ended when a bridge was built across the river.
Economic activities
- Commercial Fishing: From its early days, Sneads Ferry has been known for its commercial fishing industry.
- Fisherman today are often descendants of those who fished the same waters generations ago, using traditional methods like lightwood knots for floundering.
- The area annually harvests a significant amount of seafood, including shrimp, flounder, clams, oysters, and more.
- Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival: Established in 1971, this annual festival celebrates the area’s fishing culture and serves as a major fundraiser and social event. The festival helped establish a 14-acre community park and a 7200 sq. ft. community building.
Impact of the military
- 1941: The establishment of Camp Lejeune just north of Sneads Ferry dramatically changed the area.
- This military base brought significant government spending, jobs, and military families to the area, impacting the local economy and population.
- Sneads Ferry has experienced significant growth, particularly since 2000, with an 80% increase in residents between 2000 and 2014, driven largely by its accessibility to Camp Lejeune.
- This growth is expected to continue, with an estimated population of 20,000 by 2030.
Notable historical events
- Revolutionary War: The Post Road, which crossed at Sneads Ferry, played a role in relaying news of the Battle of Lexington in 1775.
- Robert Snead Controversy: Robert Snead was involved in a political quarrel that led to him shooting and killing Revolutionary War hero Colonel George W. Mitchell. Snead was convicted of the crime but later received a full pardon from Governor Richard Dobbs Spaight.
- Yopps Meeting House: This historical building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
Sneads Ferry today
Sneads Ferry remains a vibrant community that blends its historical roots as a fishing village with modern amenities and a growing population influenced by its proximity to Camp Lejeune.
Sneads Ferry, North Carolina 