Take a journey through time as we explore Beaufort's rich history, highlighting family-friendly attractions and activities.
Chartered in 1711, Beaufort is the second-oldest city in South Carolina, behind Charleston. It is located on Port Royal Island, in the heart of the Sea Islands and the South Carolina Lowcountry. It is a town rich in history and Southern charm. From historic homes and museums to guided tours and cultural landmarks, there’s so much to explore. Here’s a guide to discovering the rich history of Beaufort.
Historic Downtown Beaufort
Start your journey in the heart of Beaufort’s historic downtown. Stroll through streets lined with antebellum homes and moss-draped oak trees. The downtown area is filled with unique shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Stroll along the water at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Officially opened in 1979, this beautifully landscaped 7-acre park offers visitors a great place to watch the boats coming and going along the Beaufort River along with places to picnic and an expansive playground for the kids. It is near to dining options, shops and art galleries and hosts festivals throughout the year.
Must-See: The John Mark Verdier House Museum offers a glimpse into 19th-century life in Beaufort. Built in 1804 by John Mark Verdier, a French Huguenot, this house represents Beaufort’s gracious antebellum architectural style. Learn more about this historic home on their website.
The Beaufort History Museum
Located in the historic Arsenal building, the Beaufort History Museum offers exhibits that cover the rich history of the area, from Native American inhabitants and European settlers to the Civil War and beyond.
Highlights: Explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that bring Beaufort’s history to life. Visit their website for more information.
★ Guided tours are available and provide in-depth insights into the exhibits and Beaufort’s past.
Sightseeing Tours
There are several ways to experience Beaufort’s history including walking tours, golf cart tours, horse-drawn carriage and even by boat. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories and historical facts about the town.
Beaufort Tours: These tour companies offer a variety of subjects, locations and styles to include historical homes, movie locations graveyards and more. Learn more.
Guided Tours
Historic Churches
Beaufort is home to several historic churches that are worth a visit. These beautiful structures not only serve as places of worship but also as historical landmarks.
Visit the Baptist Church of Beaufort on Charles St. Dating back to 1795, this lovely church is rich in history and worth a visit during your stay; the onsite graveyard is a lesson in the past. Another notable site is the St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins in Frogmore. Built in the early 1700s, this popular historical site is a reminder of the island’s colonial past.
Callout Info: Many of these churches offer tours and have informative plaques that detail their history.
Beaufort National Cemetery
Explore the historic Beaufort National Cemetery on Port Royal, a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This hallowed ground serves as the final resting place for both Union and Confederate soldiers. Spanning from the Civil War to modern times, the cemetery features monuments and memorials that honor those who gave their lives in service. It remains an active burial site for military personnel today.
The Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
Beaufort played a significant role during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. The Reconstruction Era National Historical Park preserves and interprets this critical period in American history.
Highlights: The park includes several sites, such as the Old Beaufort Firehouse and the Freedmen’s Bureau building. Visit the National Park Service website for more details.
Tip: Check the schedule for ranger-led programs and special events that provide deeper insights into the Reconstruction era.
The Penn Center
The Penn Center, located on 50 acres of St. Helena Island, South Carolina, is a historic district featuring 25 buildings and structures. Nestled among marshes and towering live oaks, this site once housed one of the first schools in the United States for formerly enslaved individuals. It stands as a vital African American institution steeped in history.
Beaufort’s rich history and Southern charm make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring historic homes, museums, or taking a guided tour, there’s no shortage of fascinating stories to discover in Beaufort, SC.
In addition to the Beaufort Historic District, these sites are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
- The Anchorage
- William Barnwell House
- Barnwell-Gough House
- Beaufort National Cemetery
- John A. Cuthbert House
- Fort Fremont Hospital
- Fort Lyttelton Site
- Hunting Island State Park Lighthouse
- Laurel Bay Plantation
- Marshlands
- Seacoast Packing Company
- Seaside Plantation
- Robert Smalls House
- Tabby Manse
- John Mark Verdier House
