Piers symbolize iconic landmarks on any coastline, representing structures that are tethered to a beach’s past and present life. This is certainly true for the quaint and colorful town of Wrightsville Beach, NC, which is home to two piers that have been institutions since the 1930s – now the sturdy concrete Johnnie Mercer's Pier to the north and the more traditional wooden Crystal Pier to the south. Continue reading below to find out more information about these historic piers, a third lesser-known pier, and the significance these piers hold at Wrightsville Beach today.
The History
Piers have been built for a multitude of purposes – for work, pleasure and fishing. In 1910, a steel pier built from Lumina Avenue’s Seashore Hotel stretched 700 feet out into the Atlantic. As transportation to Wrightsville Beach became easier and more reliable, affluent travelers flocked to the area, fascinated in being able to see the ocean up close. The Seashore Hotel Pier became a popular attraction, complete with "observation rooms." It was destroyed by storms around 1920 and was never rebuilt. Shortly after, two new piers emerged which still remain today.
Johnnie Mercer’s Pier was built in 1937 by Julian Morton for fishing and was originally called the Atlantic View Fishing Pier. It was only North Carolina’s third pier at the time, and during its heyday the pier had a bait and tackle shop, served hot dogs, burgers and fries, and even had a bowling alley. It was sold to Johnnie Mercer in 1939 and was renamed, a name it has kept to this day. Like many North Carolina piers, Johnnie Mercer’s Pier has suffered its share of wear and tear over the years, even completely closing for several years in 1996. But unlike many other piers, it was rebuilt and reopened in 2002.
Another enduring relic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach is the Crystal Pier. Two years after the construction of the Atlantic View Fishing Pier, the 1,000-foot-long pier known as the Mira Mar Pier was erected in 1939 by Floyd Cox. It was made from cypress wood and reached out to cover the shipwrecked blockade runner The Fanny and Jenny, which ran aground during the Civil War. Building over a wreckage site meant great fishing, and the pier soon became a major draw for anglers. In 1940, it became the Crystal Pier when restaurant owner Mike Zezefellis bought it. The pier flourished and became the go-to spot for lunch or to reel in a fresh catch. Over the years, the structure was home to a variety of businesses, including a motel and apartments. In 1989, the pier was sold to Monica Wells, who added Oceanic Restaurant, the only restaurant in Wrightsville Beach situated on the beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Today
Johnnie Mercer’s Pier is the only concrete fishing pier in the state of North Carolina and is a staple attraction at Wrightsville Beach. The 945-foot pier made completely of steel-reinforced concrete now offers a snack bar, game area and full bathrooms, along of course with beautiful ocean views.
Today, the Crystal Pier at the Oceanic has never looked better: during the summer of 2013, the pier received a much-needed structural facelift that preserved the long-standing antique wooden look of the pier that dates back to the 1930s. Restoration efforts included replacing the old pilings and extending it approximately 30 feet. Thanks to the additional length, people are now able to fish from the pier once again, which is especially appropriate considering the pier’s origins. The Oceanic also hosts live bands on the pier Wednesday and Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. through September.
Click HERE to see the full schedule!
