The history of Bald Head Island during the 20th century is marked by several pivotal moments, from private ownership to development, to eventual preservation efforts. For much of the century, the island was owned by Frank Sherrill, the owner of S&W Cafeteria. Under Sherrill's ownership, the island remained largely undeveloped. It wasn’t until June 30, 1970, that the Carolina Cape Fear Corporation purchased Bald Head Island and began its development plans. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the island, one that would see it transition from a quiet, isolated locale to a residential and recreational community.
 

The Early Days of Development
The corporation’s initial plans included the construction of a golf course and a marina. Despite strong opposition from environmental activists and concerns raised by North Carolina's Governor Bob Scott, the corporation proceeded with the plans. The goal was to create a community with a maximum of 2,000 lots for homes. While this maximum is still in place today, erosion and conservation efforts led by groups like the Smith Island Land Trust have reduced the potential number of homes to closer to 1,800. As of 2024, approximately 1,500 homes exist on the island.
 

The Generator Society
In the early days of the island’s development, a group of pioneering families came together to establish homes on Bald Head Island. By 1980, nineteen families had built seventeen homes on plots they purchased from the Carolina Cape Fear Corporation. These families came to be known as the Generator Society. They were the first to live on the island, enduring considerable hardships as the island lacked electricity and paved roads. It wasn't until 1981 that electricity arrived via an underwater cable, marking a significant milestone in the island’s development.
 

Legal and Environmental Struggles
One of the challenges faced by the Carolina Cape Fear Corporation during this period was gaining approval for the location of the marina. North Carolina officials expressed concerns that the marina might negatively impact the nearby Battery Island bird sanctuary and the Cape Fear River shipping channel. Despite these environmental worries, the corporation ultimately received approval to move forward with the marina. However, escalating legal fees and the withdrawal of some investors led the company to sell the island in 1983 in an attempt to recoup costs.
 

George Mitchell and the Island's Growth
Following the sale of Bald Head Island, the island was purchased by entrepreneur George Mitchell in 1983. Mitchell played a pivotal role in shaping the island's future. He established Bald Head Island, Ltd., a company that continued development while preserving much of the island's natural beauty. Under Mitchell's leadership, amenities and infrastructure on the island grew. Notably, the Village of Bald Head Island was incorporated as a municipality in 1985, and important cultural and historical landmarks were restored, such as the completion of the Village Chapel and the reopening of the Old Baldy Lighthouse in 1987.
 

Efforts in Preservation
Beyond development, George Mitchell and his family were instrumental in protecting Bald Head Island's unique natural environment. They helped establish both the Bald Head Island Conservancy and the Old Baldy Foundation, two organizations dedicated to preserving the island's natural and historical heritage. In addition, the Mitchell family donated nearly 200 acres of maritime forest to the North Carolina Coastal Reserve, ensuring the protection of vital ecosystems on the island for generations to come.
 

The history of Bald Head Island is one of transformation, from a quiet, undeveloped place to a popular residential and conservation-minded community. The journey from its early days under Frank Sherrill’s ownership, through the struggles of development by the Carolina Cape Fear Corporation, to its eventual preservation by George Mitchell and the Mitchell family, showcases the island's balancing act between progress and environmental stewardship. Today, Bald Head Island stands as a testament to how thoughtful development, community efforts, and preservation can coexist, ensuring a sustainable future for both its residents and the environment.