Monkey Junction
At the southern end of College Road (N.C. Highway 132) where it junctions with Carolina Beach Road (U.S. HIghway 421), you'll find an area that has been rife with heated controversy recently. Known for many years as Monkey Junction, this rapidly expanding area has experienced enormous growth both commercially and residentially, some of it fairly upscale. Some of the residents, especially ones more recently moving into the area, feel that the name "Monkey Junction" does not convey the image they'd like to have for their community. They prefer "Myrtle Grove," which is an area east of Monkey Junction. Ever sensitive to the desires of their customers, the U.S. Postal Service dutifully changed the name of their postal station in the area from Monkey Junction to Myrtle Grove. However, the New Hanover County commissioners, ever sensitive to the desire of most residents of the county to preserve our historical heritage, have officially designated the area as Monkey Junction, and signs to that effect will soon be planted. The name Monkey Junction harkens back to the 1920s when the bus to Carolina Beach stopped at this intersectiKure/Ft.Fisheron and passengers were allowed to get off. An enterprising gas station nearby featured live monkeys as an attraction to draw customers. When the driver stopped, he announced, "Monkey Junction," and that's how it has been known ever since.