Holden Beach History: as experienced by John F. Holden (A Historical Memoir)

USA TODAY winning #1 Family Beach, this is the first-hand account of how Holden Beach grew to be a beloved vacation destination enjoyed by generations.

Join the founder of Holden Beach, John F. Holden, on a journey through the rich and storied history of this tight-knit coastal North Carolina community. Uncover the stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped it over the years. From shipwrecks, to hurricanes, to accidental rodeos, you’re sure to learn something you didn’t know before.

Part memoir, part historical account, the book provides a nuanced understanding of the town and its place in the larger context of American and North Carolina history, all while offering a poignant look at the challenges and triumphs that have characterized Holden Beach’s story.

Whether you are a long-time resident, visitor, or simply a lover of history, this book will inspire you to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Holden Beach and its enduring spirit.

“The story of Holden Beach, with its beginning, its magnificent sand dunes, its stalwart old shipwrecks, its fish shack, its fishermen, its flawless beach, and its continued existence as a quiet and wonderful place for North Carolina’s young people to grow up—all needs to be a part of this state’s recorded history. John F. Holden has done this for us in an eloquent way.”—A. Craig Phillips, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, North Carolina