NC Highway 133, from Leland to Southport in North Brunswick County, North Carolina, is more than just a scenic drive—it’s a corridor rich with stories, shaped by centuries of culture, commerce, and coastal life. From colonial ports and Civil War battles to modern suburban growth, this region reflects a remarkable journey through time. Side routes include US 17 (Ocean Highway) and NC 87 (George II Highway). This area is also the home of the North Carolina Rice Festival.

Long before European settlers arrived, this area was home to Indigenous peoples—most notably the Cape Fear Indians—who thrived along the riverbanks, hunting, fishing, and trading. The region’s abundant waterways, fertile soil, and direct access to the Atlantic Ocean made it a valuable hub for early exploration.

In 1726, just south of present-day Belville, the colonial port of Brunswick Town was founded along the Cape Fear River. As the first permanent European settlement on the river, it quickly became a major North Carolina port, exporting naval stores like tar, pitch, and turpentine. The town flourished for several decades until it was abandoned and burned during the Revolutionary War and never fully recovered. The haunting remnants of this once-vital town now form Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, a powerful reminder of the region’s early struggles and resilience.

Today, the towns of Belville and Leland serve as bustling gateways to Brunswick County. Both communities began as naval stores and rice plantations along the Brunswick River in the 18th and 19th centuries. A significant post-war development was the establishment of a national reserve fleet on the Brunswick River in 1946, where hundreds of surplus WWII merchant vessels were stored until about 1970. Belville was formally incorporated in 1977.

Leland’s official incorporation as a town did not occur until 1989, but since then, it has experienced explosive growth, becoming one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing communities. It blends modern development with its proximity to Wilmington and historic roots that shape its identity. From family-friendly neighborhoods to a burgeoning business district, Leland reflects the modern evolution of Brunswick County.

Midway between Leland and Southport lies Bolivia, which has served as the county seat of Brunswick County since 1989. Though modest in population, Bolivia holds significant political and civic importance, housing the Brunswick County Government Complex. Its selection as the county seat was based on its central location and accessibility by rail, a factor that played a vital role in the region’s development during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The original spring was discovered by local reporter Bill Keziah who saw a piece of wood bouncing in the spring and named it Bouncing Log Spring. The area became popular and in 1961 the town of Boiling Spring Lakes was incorporated. The town boasts up to fifty lakes, ponds, and springs. It is estimated that about 43 million gallons of water a day is discharged from the spring.

At the southern tip of the county sits Southport, one of North Carolina’s most charming and historically rich towns. Originally founded as Smithville in 1792, it was built around Fort Johnston, a coastal defense fort constructed in the mid-1700s to protect the Cape Fear River from pirates and foreign navies. The town was renamed Southport in 1887 in an ambitious effort to attract more shipping traffic and economic development.

While it never materialized into a major commercial port, Southport blossomed into a picturesque fishing village and popular summer retreat. Its enduring maritime history—anchored by river pilots, military presence, commercial fishing boats, and coastal trade—continues to define its unique character. With its beautifully preserved Victorian homes, iconic oak-lined streets, and captivating views of the river and ocean, Southport has become a favorite filming location and a beloved destination for both locals and tourists.

A Region Rooted in the Past, Growing Toward the Future From Leland’s rapid expansion to Southport’s timeless beauty, the corridor through North Brunswick County vividly showcases the rich diversity of coastal Carolina history. Whether exploring ancient colonial ruins, admiring the mighty Cape Fear River, or strolling through bustling new neighborhoods, residents and visitors alike are part of a living legacy—one that continues to grow and adapt while honoring its past.