History of Beaufort County, South Carolina

Beaufort County, South Carolina, is a region steeped in history, from its Indigenous roots to its pivotal role in colonial America and the Civil War. Established in 1711, Beaufort County has been home to a diverse range of cultures, including the Native American tribes, European settlers, and enslaved Africans. The county’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its historic architecture, scenic landscapes, and thriving coastal economy. With its stunning Lowcountry views, Beaufort County has long been a key player in South Carolina’s development, and it remains a vibrant center for history and tourism today.

Origins and Early History

Native American Inhabitants

Long before European settlers arrived in Beaufort County, the region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, particularly the Cusabo, Yemassee, and Cherokee. These indigenous peoples lived off the fertile lands, utilizing the rivers, marshes, and forests for sustenance. The Yemassee, in particular, were a powerful group in the region and played a significant role in the area’s early colonial history. They engaged in agriculture, fishing, and hunting, cultivating corn, beans, and squash, and using the abundant natural resources of the Lowcountry to support their way of life.

The arrival of European explorers in the 16th century, including the Spanish and later the British, brought profound changes to the indigenous peoples. The Spanish initially attempted to establish settlements along the coast, but the native tribes, including the Yemassee, fiercely resisted. It wasn’t until the late 1600s that British settlers successfully established control over the region, setting the stage for the county’s colonial history.

British Colonial Period and the Founding of Beaufort County

Beaufort County was established in 1711 as one of the first counties in South Carolina. Its name is derived from Henry Somerset, the Duke of Beaufort, an English aristocrat. The region was part of a larger effort by the British to solidify their control over the Lowcountry, which had become a crucial part of the Atlantic trade route.

The area’s favorable geography, with its deep harbors and fertile soil, attracted European settlers, especially English planters, who quickly began to establish plantations. Rice and indigo were the primary crops grown, and the use of enslaved African labor played a central role in the region’s economy. The county seat, Beaufort, became an important port and cultural hub in the early years of colonial settlement.

By the mid-18th century, Beaufort County had developed into a thriving agricultural community, with large rice and indigo plantations worked by enslaved Africans. These plantations were linked by a series of waterways and roads, and the port of Beaufort served as an essential point of entry for trade goods.

Key Historical Events

The Revolutionary War and the Battle of Beaufort

Beaufort County played a key role in the American Revolution, particularly in the southern theater of the war. During the conflict, Beaufort served as an important strategic location due to its proximity to the coastline. In 1779, the British captured Beaufort, and the town remained under British control for much of the war. However, the region’s strong patriot sentiment persisted.

In 1782, as the war neared its end, the Battle of Beaufort was fought between American forces and the British. The battle was one of several key engagements in the southern states, where control of the region was contested throughout the war. Despite being under British control for much of the conflict, Beaufort eventually returned to American hands, contributing to the final victory in the Revolutionary War.

The Civil War and Reconstruction

Beaufort County’s most significant historical event came during the American Civil War. In 1861, as the conflict began, Beaufort was occupied by Union forces. The town of Beaufort itself was strategically important due to its position near the coast, and it became one of the first southern towns to fall to Union forces.

The Union occupation of Beaufort County had a profound impact on the local economy, which was heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly rice and cotton. After Union forces took control, many plantations were abandoned, and thousands of enslaved people were freed. Beaufort became a center for African American settlement, and it is in this period that the Gullah-Geechee culture, which blends African and American traditions, began to take shape in the Lowcountry.

After the war, during the Reconstruction era, Beaufort County struggled with the transition from a plantation-based economy to a more diversified system. The legacy of slavery and the war deeply shaped the social and economic landscape of the region for decades.

The Development of the Tourism Industry

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Beaufort County began to recover from the devastation of the Civil War. The economy shifted away from agriculture, and the county began to develop a burgeoning tourism industry, spurred on by its picturesque landscapes and rich history. The area’s historic homes, churches, and plantations drew tourists, and Beaufort became known for its beautiful antebellum architecture and its proximity to the pristine waters of the Atlantic.

Today, Beaufort County is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the globe who come to experience its historic charm, unique culture, and natural beauty.

Historical Sites

1. Beaufort Historic District

Overview and Location

The Beaufort Historic District, located in downtown Beaufort, is a collection of more than 50 antebellum buildings, showcasing the rich architectural history of the town. These buildings, many of which date back to the early 1800s, reflect the town’s importance during the colonial and Civil War eras. The district is renowned for its well-preserved homes, churches, and commercial buildings, making it a key destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.

The district is located along Bay Street and is easily walkable, allowing visitors to experience Beaufort’s historical charm up close.

Ticket Price and Parking Information

• Admission: Free to walk through the district, but guided tours are available for a fee.
• Parking: Street parking is available, and there are several public lots nearby.

2. Fort Fremont Historical Site

Overview and Location

Fort Fremont was built in the late 19th century as part of the United States’ coastal defense system. Located on St. Helena Island, the fort was designed to protect the port of Beaufort and the surrounding areas from naval attacks. Today, the site is preserved as a historical park, where visitors can explore the remains of the fortifications, including gun emplacements and other military structures.

The fort is a significant example of late-19th-century military engineering and provides insight into the military history of the region.

Ticket Price and Parking Information

• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free parking is available on-site.

3. Penn Center

Overview and Location

The Penn Center, located on St. Helena Island, is one of the most significant African American historical sites in the region. Founded in 1862 as the Penn School, it was one of the first schools established for freed slaves during the Reconstruction era. The center played a critical role in educating African Americans in the post-Civil War South and later became a hub for the Gullah-Geechee culture.

The site now serves as a museum and cultural center, with exhibits that explore African American history, culture, and the legacy of the Penn School.

Ticket Price and Parking Information

• Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children
• Parking: Free parking is available on-site.

4. Hunting Island State Park

Overview and Location

Hunting Island State Park, located on a barrier island just off the coast of Beaufort County, is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. The park is home to one of South Carolina’s most iconic lighthouses, which has been standing since 1859. Visitors can climb the lighthouse for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area.

The park also features miles of unspoiled beaches, maritime forests, and salt marshes, making it an ideal location for hiking, wildlife watching, and water sports.

Ticket Price and Parking Information

• Admission: $8 per vehicle
• Parking: Available at the park entrance and throughout the park.

County Facts

Geography and Climate

Beaufort County is located in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, with its borders stretching along the Atlantic Ocean and encompassing several islands, including Hilton Head Island, St. Helena Island, and several smaller barrier islands. The county is known for its rich marshlands, rivers, and forests, which provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

Beaufort County has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The region experiences a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being the summer. Average summer temperatures range from 75°F to 95°F, while winter temperatures typically range from 40°F to 60°F.

Key County Facts

• Year Founded: 1711
• County Seat: Beaufort
• Population: Approximately 200,000 (2020 Census)
• Population Density: 181.5 people per square mile
• Largest Cities: Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, Bluffton
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 21, U.S. Highway 278, South Carolina Highway 170
• Adjacent Counties: Jasper County, Hampton County, Colleton County