Downtown Beaufort – Beaufort, South Carolina

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South Carolina  |  SC Picture Project  |  Beaufort County Photos  |  Downtown Beaufort

Beaufort is the second-oldest city in South Carolina and is well-known for its beautiful harbor. Its business district has been completely restored, and is full of popular shops, restaurants, and hotels. In French “beau” means beautiful … and if you visit Beaufort, you’ll see that it is appropriately named! Cherokee and Catawba Indians lived in the area as early as 4000 BC, and even left shell ring ruins on nearby Hilton Head Island [ read more about SC Indian Shell Rings ].

Spanish explorers discovered the area in 1520, and it changed hands many times between the Spanish, French, and British. By the early 1700s, English planters and traders established Beaufort Town, in honor of Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort.

Beaufort played an important role during the Civil War. Two residents served on the committee which drafted the Ordinance of Secession in December 1860, and the Federal Government setup a blockade around Beaufort’s port. Even though the economy suffered greatly due to the blockade, most of its buildings escaped the devastations of war and are still standing today.

During the early 20th century, the seafood industry, farming, and tourism were a major part of Beaufort’s economy. The town also experienced significant military growth during World War II, which provided a much needed economic boost. Today, Beaufort’s tourism industry is booming. Nearby Hilton Head is a nationally celebrated golf mecca, and combined with Beaufort and beauty, Beaufort’s history has become a vacation destination.

If you visit the area, a walking tour of historic downtown Beaufort is a great way to learn about its rich history.

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