Early development of Oak Island as a community unofficially began in 1826 with the construction of Fort Caswell. In 1889, construction of the Oak Island Lighthouse was completed. In July 1999, the towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach, both incorporated in 1955, combined to become the town of Oak Island. Oak Island is the largest beach community in North Carolina and features the largest commercial district of all Brunswick County islands. This island offers more than 50 public beach accesses, several boat ramps, recreational areas and a skate park. The Town of Oak Island has an active Sea Turtle Protection Program.