Why Are We Called St. James?
“Around 1740, political conflicts arose between Maurice Moore, founder of Brunswick Town, and the residents of Newton, later to be named Wilmington. Therefore, one of the leading families, the Brunswick’s, divided the Cape Fear area into two parishes, St. James, embracing the territory to the east side of the river, and St. Phillips, embracing that of the west side.” (History of North Carolina, Vol.1, R.D.W. Connor, 1919.) Even though many establishments which bear the St. James name are not on the east side of the river, you can see that our Plantation name has a rich heritage in the area. (Provided By: Fred & Ethelann Stumpp)
Residents of St. James Plantation began formal explorations about the possibility of incorporation into a municipal entity during the summer of 1997. The Town of St. James was incorporated on July 1, 1999. The purpose of the incorporation was to provide self-determination and independence to the residents of the St. James development, particularly in the face of possible annexation by several neighboring towns.
St. James is located along the southeast coast of North Carolina – just a few miles from the old fishing village of Southport, NC and about 30 miles south of Wilmington, NC. St. James is in Brunswick County, NC, which is characterized by growing communities nestled in some of the most unique wetlands areas of the United States.
St. James is a residential town, with a large population of vibrant, active retirees who enjoy four and a half golf courses, many tennis courts, swimming pools, full service marina, and a beach club along the Oak Island seashore. However, we are also home to many young families and enjoy the sight of children playing and the yellow school buses throughout the community.
Our residents – currently about 3,330 from all over the United States – are talented and active volunteers – from our all volunteer Fire and EMS Department, to our award winning Service Club, and to all manner of community service opportunities through the Brunswick County area. We hope you will explore our community further via our website and the links to other local sites of interest.
To learn more about St. James Plantation visit the websites of: The Town of St. James and St. James Properties.
Click here to read the chronology of the growth and development of the St. James Plantation.