A Neighborhood Born from Nature’s Bounty
Nestled in the lush, shaded enclaves just south of Wilmington, Myrtle Grove Northeast is more than just a neighborhood — it’s a tapestry woven of rich history, southern charm, and a resilient sense of community. Today, it spreads gracefully between Myrtle Grove Road, Masonboro Loop, and traverses such well-loved streets as Pelican Point and Monkey Junction’s winding thoroughfares, but its story began long before modern development arrived.
Myrtle Grove, with its evocative name, harkens back to the native wax myrtles that once blanketed the lowland woods and marshes. For centuries, these fragrant evergreens gave shelter and resources to early inhabitants — first the Cape Fear Native Americans, then European settlers lured by the region’s natural abundance. By the early 1800s, the area which would become Myrtle Grove Northeast was mostly wild — thick pine forests interspersed with tidal marshes, where sweet-smelling myrtles grew in profusion, inspiring the neighborhood’s enduring name.
Early Settlement and Growth
In the nineteenth century, as Wilmington blossomed into a key port, outlying areas like Myrtle Grove Northeast transitioned from frontier to farmland. Historical records from the mid-1800s mention local families — names like Hewlett, Futch, and Masonboro — working the sandy soils and building tight-knit communities around small chapels and crossroads. The dirt track that would become Myrtle Grove Road evolved slowly, becoming a conduit for horse-drawn wagons carrying produce and seafood into the city.
The area developed quietly during the Civil War and Reconstruction, away from the main action but shaped by the tides of change. Old maps show the earliest homesteads dotted along Masonboro Sound, with names like Masonboro Loop Road reflecting the ties to the broader Masonboro township.
Key Historical Milestones
The arrival of the twentieth century brought pivotal change. In the 1920s and 30s, as Wilmington expanded southward, Myrtle Grove Northeast took on a dual identity: a rural retreat and a slowly suburbanizing landscape. The construction of Carolina Beach Road opened easier access south, fueling a gradual shift from farmland to home sites. Small shops, churches like the landmark Myrtle Grove Presbyterian (established in 1858 and still a neighborhood anchor), and elementary schools fostered a true home-grown spirit.
World War II and the subsequent population boom accelerated the neighborhood’s growth. As servicemen returned and new families arrived, one could see the layout of today’s cozy cul-de-sacs and family homes beginning to emerge alongside the older farmsteads. Trolley lines and later bus routes made neighborhoods like Myrtle Grove Northeast more accessible to city workers seeking quieter environs.
Landmarks and Buildings That Tell the Story
Every old neighborhood has its distinctive landmarks, and Myrtle Grove Northeast is no exception.
- The old Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church on Myrtle Grove Road stands as testament to faith, community, and continuity, drawing generations of neighbors for Sunday services and seasonal events.
- Masonboro Elementary, though now modernized, has educated children for generations and remains a beloved cornerstone.
- Several antebellum homes still dot the lanes near Masonboro Sound, their wide porches and stately oaks offering glimpses of another age.
- Halyburton Park, developed in the late 20th century, sits just to the north and offers not only walking trails and wetlands but also an ever-present reminder of the area’s natural heritage.
Streets and Parks: Threads that Bind the Community
Ask any longtime resident to name what defines Myrtle Grove Northeast, and you’ll hear about its streets:
- Myrtle Grove Road — the neighborhood’s historic spine
- Pelican Point Drive — a newer addition, filled with modern homes but ever-connected to the area’s roots
- College Road and Masonboro Loop — vital arteries supporting family life and commerce
Monkey Junction, the bustling crossroads at the gateway to Myrtle Grove, remains a center of daily activity — a place where new arrivals and old friends mingle over coffee, groceries, or a tank of gas.
The neighborhood’s proximity to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Masonboro Sound has always offered access to fishing, boating, and peaceful views, making Myrtle Grove Northeast a hidden gem for those seeking both natural beauty and community warmth.
Evolution Through the Decades
Over the past fifty years, Myrtle Grove Northeast has evolved from sleepy farmland to a vibrant suburban enclave, yet it retains a distinct sense of place. Development exploded after WWII, with ranch-style homes, mid-century splits, and eventually more planned communities adding to the housing mix. Despite these changes, longtime residents and newcomers alike preserve the neighborhood’s friendly, low-key atmosphere.
Institutions such as Myrtle Grove Middle School and accessible parks like the serene Myrtle Grove Sound Park ensure that neighborhood children grow up with a strong sense of belonging. The variety in architectural styles — from historic farm cottages to contemporary builds — echoes the diversity of families who’ve called Myrtle Grove home across the decades.
Annual events, like autumn festivals at the elementary school or neighborhood yard sales, keep old traditions alive. Local businesses continue to thrive at Monkey Junction, while natural amenities — water access, greenways, and wildlife — help maintain that timeless Myrtle Grove feel.
Cherishing the Past, Embracing the Future
As development continues in New Hanover County, Myrtle Grove Northeast remains a steadfast example of how history can blend harmoniously with progress. Residents work together to protect the area’s marshes, celebrate its storied past, and welcome changes that strengthen the community.
Whether you walk along Myrtle Grove Road beneath ancient oaks, listen to the laughter of children in schoolyards, or simply take in a quiet sunset on Masonboro Sound, you are part of a legacy that stretches back generations. The neighborhood’s story is still being written, one warm greeting and neighborly gesture at a time — proof that in Myrtle Grove Northeast, heritage and heart will always go hand in hand.