The Town of Holly Ridge is located on US Highway 17 South and it's the last town you pass through prior to leaving Onslow County. Holly Ridge was incorporated in 1941 and the population was 28. In 1943 Camp Davis opened, housing Army and Navy Troops, and the population reached 110,000. Missile testing was conducted on nearby Topsail Island and Holly Ridge was considered as a possible site for  the U.S. Space Program. The missile project that evolved into the space program instead moved South to Florida. Today, the population is approximately 832 people. Holly Ridge has an elected Mayor and Town Council and the Town Manager is appointed by the Council. Holly Ridge has 6 full-time Police Officers and the Fire Department has paid members during the week and volunteer members 24 hours a day. The town also has a full-time Building Inspector.