Taking a trip to the historic district of Beaufort, South Carolina is like taking a step back in time. Gracious Southern hospitality blends seamlessly with beautiful scenery and stunning antebellum homes. The city was one of the first to approve of the secession from the union during the War Between the States. When the townspeople discovered Sherman was marching toward their town, they fled, fearful of being accused of treason. “The Great Skeedaddle” left the town deserted when the Union Army arrived. Sherman turned Beaufort into an army base, using the stately homes for hospitals and officers quarters. Today, Beaufort is a charming mix of old and new. Located between Savannah and Charleston, it’s a hidden gem. If you’re a history buff, this guide will help you discover the Must Visit Historical Sites in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Must Visit Historical Sites in Beaufort, South Carolina
1. Penn Center
This little-known site, located on nearby St. Helena Island, has huge historical significance. Established in 1862 and formerly known as Penn School, this was the first school in South Carolina for freed black slaves. If you are wondering, as I did, how the slaves were freed before the end of the War Between the States in 1865, it dates back to Sherman’s Occupation. The Union Army arrived in 1861. During the Great Skedaddle, the wealthy landowners left behind 10,000 slaves as they rushed from the town. Sherman asked them to stay in the area under his protection.
Penn Center served as a school for African Americans until 1948, where it taught both educational and trade classes to children and adults. In the 1960s, Penn Center served as a safe haven for Civil Rights groups who met here in secret to plan strategy. The small Gant house, located at the back of the property, was often visited by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who reportedly wrote part of his “I Have a Dream” speech in the privacy of his cottage. It’s said the KKK discovered Dr. King was working there but were too afraid of the local root doctor, Dr. Buzzard, to make any attempt to harm him.
Today the center operates as a link to the past, helping to preserve the native Gullah Geechee Culture, to promote historic preservation, and to sustain economic stability in the community. An admission fee is charged.
2. Beaufort History Museum Located in the Arsenal on Craven Street, this building was first built in 1798 as home to the Beaufort Voluntary Artillery. Over 200 years later, this imposing yellow structure still stands, housing the History Museum on the 2nd floor and the Visitor’s Center on the first floor. The museum, open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, offers guided tours by a knowledgeable docent. Their aim is to capture every aspect of Beaufort’s history.
Their story begins with the first Native Americans who lived in the area and continues through the prosperous times before the War Between the States. The rich planters made their fortune with the growth of Sea Island cotton, a rare breed of cotton cultivated to grow extra long fibers. This cotton sold for over $1 a pound at a time when other varieties sold for around 6 cents a pound. Beaufort quickly became the wealthiest town for its size in the US. The destruction from the War Between the States, along with the infestation of boll weevils, brought an end to the reign of King Cotton.
Beaufort slowly fell into a depression. Today, Beaufort is thriving once again, thanks to the local Paris Island military base and the growth of the tourism industry. The Beaufort History Museum is a fascinating journey through time and provides an excellent overview of all Beaufort has to offer. An admission fee is charged, although the fee is waived for active military personnel and their families.
3. The Parish Church of St Helena, built in 1724, is one of the oldest churches in North America. An Anglican church still in use today, the church was enlarged in 1824 but the facade has remained the same for almost 200 years. During the War Between The States, it was commandeered as a hospital for the Union Army. The inside was almost completely destroyed during that time period, but the marble baptismal from 1784 remains.
The property includes a surrounding cemetery with graves dating back to 1724. An Old Churchyard Cemetery map is available on their website that includes graves of those “who, in the course of their time and their world, made a lasting impression on the course of events.” Self-guided tours of the cemetery are free. Docent-guided tours of the church are available on select days. Check with the Beaufort Visitor’s Center for dates and times.
4. Southurn Rose Buggy Tours Want to see the beautiful architecture and learn the history of Beaufort in a narrated tour? Take a Carriage ride amid the moss-draped streets with the Southurn Rose Buggy Tours. These tours are approximately 50 minutes in length and delve into the stories of Antebellum times through the recent past. Our tour was led by our hosts, Arthur, our driver, and Jake, our horse.
Some of the fascinating facts we learned included the story of the Secession House, owned by Edmund Rhett. An ardent supporter of the South, Mr. Rhett gathered his fellow Secessionists into the basement of his home. They proceeded to demonstrate their support for the cause by writing messages (supposedly in their own blood) on the walls. The Union army, when they took over the town, promptly responded by adding their own messages. Both writings are still visible on the walls today.
Beaufort is also the home to many movie sets, including The Prince of Tides and Forest Gump. The carriage drives by the mansions used in these movies and our driver related stories of the actors and actresses while they were in town. One of the most fascinating sites was The Castle, a glimpse of which is seen in the picture of the Must Visit Historical Sites in Beaufort. It’s an imposing 23 room structure with 79 windows. Used as a wedding scene from the movie, Forces of Nature, the Castle is said to be haunted by a French dwarf named Gauche.
An inspiring story that’s well worth more research is the life of Robert Smalls. Born as an enslaved individual, he engineered a daring escape during the War Between the States. This was no small feat. He commandeered a heavily armed Confederate ship, sailed into Union waters, and sought freedom for himself and his fellow passengers. As a result of his bravery, he was awarded $1500, enough to purchase his former owner’s home after the war. During the war, he served in the Union army. Later he became the first African-American elected to the South Carolina state assembly and senate. He finished his career serving in the US House of Representatives.
Tours are available 7 days a week and admission is charged.
5. The Verdier House– Built-in 1804 by planter John Mark Verdier and located in the heart of downtown, the Verdier House is an excellent example of Federal Style Architecture. Born the son of a Huguenot, Mr. Verdier amassed a vast fortune through the sale of Sea Island cotton. This townhouse was a testament to his fortune. After his death in 1827, the house passed to his son, James Robert Verdier, who pioneered research on yellow fever. When the Verdiers’ fled during “the great skedaddle” the house was turned into Union Army headquarters.
Today, the Beaufort Historic Foundation owns the house and strives to preserve the historical elements of the house. Inside you’ll find stunning hand-carved moldings, intricate scrollwork, and ornate fireplaces. The docents are knowledgeable and able to expand on the home as well as the surrounding area of Beaufort. Three permanent exhibits, a tribute to Robert Smalls, a collection of Civil War-era photos by Samuel Cooley, and an exhibit in honor of the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery, which fought in the American Revolution, and the War Between the States.
Admission is charged, and active military are free.
6. Santa Elena History Center– Did you know Beaufort was once considered part of the vast Spanish holding of La Florida? You can learn all about this relatively unknown part of American history at “Downtown Beaufort’s newest destination for the curious.” While France, Spain, and England fought for control in “the new world,” Jean Ribault claimed this land for France in 1562, building “Charlesfort.” In 1566, the Spanish arrived, determined to eliminate their rival, they destroyed Charlesfort, killed the males occupants, and rebuilt the settlement as Santa Elena. Over time Paris Island was the home of six forts.
The history of Santa Elena is worthy of a soap opera with treachery, power grabs, and sinister plots. Inside the two-story museum, you’ll find in-depth descriptions of the Spanish occupation, along with rare artifacts recovered from the sites. There’s also exhibits focusing on the Native Americans that occupied the area, along with the history of the building. Kids of all ages will enjoy the hands-on archaeological dig located on the first floor. Admission is charged.
Beaufort, South Carolina is definitely a history lover’s dream. Have you visited South Carolina’s hidden gem?
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I have enjoyed reading this post. I find it to be a vivid depiction of the place; as if I was there. This is what I consider important for historical places: to help you to understand what life was like then and what people were concerned about.
I have not visited, but i would love to do so. Perhaps we’ll make our way there this summer!
Ive never been to Beaufort,SC. Looks like a great place to learn more about the history there if you are a history buff.
I’m going to have to pin this because I love history and any adventure related to it. I would love to take a road trip to SC and visit some of these sites.
So many sites that would be lovely to visit and learn about. I’m always amazed and find it so fun to learn about all the different places in the south!
I love the history and architecture of the south. These all look like southern gems. Adding to must see list now. Thank you for sharing!
These old buildings would be neat to see. Would be great to help teach my kids as my 9 year old is really interested in old American history for some reason.
This would be a great and informative tour for students on a field trip. It looks pretty neat.
I always love to visit historical places to discover new things and cultures. I might add this kind of destination on my list.
I cannot wait to live in South Carolina where I can visit fun and interesting places like this!
What a fun and educational experience. I’d love to take my daughters on a vacation that incorporates historical visits like this.
Beaufort seems to be a nice place. I love museums and cultural places.
I’ve always wanted to visit South Carolina. Your pictures and description are showing me that Beaufort is the perfect family destination.
History is fascinating.
People in the US forget that there is a lot of History in America. America might not have 1,000-year-old churches, but it is still has a rich past.
Looks like a great place to explore. Thanks for this awesome guide!
I would love to visit SC ! Can’t wait to check out the places you shared!
Your photos are stunning. I absolutely love visiting historic sites when I travel, there’s such a mysterious energy to them. I’ll have to fly south to check these sites out!
What a beautiful place to visit. Thanks for the history lesson.
I have never traveled to that part of the south so it is on my list of places to see after my husband retires next month. I love historical buildings and exploring everything that goes with that. I look forward to visiting.
Wow, this looks like such a cool tour! I love learning about history and seeing old things!
Visiting historical sites of destination locations is such an enlightening experience. I would love to see these sites in Beaufort!
I’ve only been to South Carolina once but there’s so much I still want to see. Beaufort looks fantastic. I’d love a buggy ride!
These are some beautiful locations. One the greatest things about travel is seeing a bit of history of the area.
Let’s hope I will be able to visit SC soon, then yes, these places will definitely be on my list? Great post.
I would love to see all of these. One of my favorite parts of travel in any area of the country, or the world, for that matter, is exploring historical sites. It’s amazing what you can learn!
There is so much great history down that way. We were in Charleston over the summer and I was blown away by the southern charm and history.