Beaufort, South Carolina

In French "beau" means beautiful, handsome, lovely, or fine ... and after even the shortest visit, you'll know that both the city and the county of Beaufort are aptly named.

A community of rich history, southern hospitality and seaside charm, the "Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands". Beaufort was discovered by the Spanish in 1514 and later chartered by the British in 1711. Settlers enjoying thriving prosperity in the eighteenth century as indigo and rice plantations prospered. Cotton also brought tremendous wealth to the area during the period prior to the Civil War.

Beaufort is South Carolina's second-oldest city, and the historic area is one of the state's three national landmark districts. The city's passion to maintain the character of Beaufort in spite of major growth prompted the National Trust for Historic Preservation to name Beaufort one of 12 "Distinctive Destinations" in the nation, where the past and present exist side by side.

Tabby ruins, historic forts, plantation homes, culture and Lowcountry cuisine are constant reminders of Beaufort's history. Today, horse-drawn carriages make their way slowly through the narrow streets of the historic district, one of only three National Historic Landmark Districts in South Carolina.

Movie makers have also discovered the uniqueness of this area, and some of the greatest films were centered around Beaufort. The Prince of Tides, Forces of Nature, Forrest Gump, GI Jane, The Big Chill, The Great Santini, are just a few.

In addition to the historical and natural attractions, the area is home to three major military installations - the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, the Marine Corps Air Station and the Naval Hospital - which are vital to the local economy, as well as national security. The U.S. military is Beaufort County's largest employer, with troops at Parris Island Marine Recruit Training Base, the U.S. Naval Hospital and the Marine Corps Air Station.

Beaufort County was South Carolina's fastest growing county over the last decade, according to the 2000 census. Residents have the highest incomes and lowest unemployment in the state wit taxes below the national average.

Beaufort, South Caorlina has plenty of galleries and boutiques. Dine at an array of restaurants, casual to chic, includes fresh local seafood that proves local schoolchildren and artists knew what they were doing when they chose the shrimp as Beaufort's mascot and theme for another annual festival. Beaufort County has a thriving Arts Council that fosters chamber music, theater, bluegrass, jazz, Shakespeare, dance and visual arts. Beaufort has a symphony and ballet company, and there's a performing arts center at USC-Beaufort.

Enjoy Beaufort's rich history, Southern charm and seaside beauty with all the beauty of the Lowcountry within its boundaries.

Historic Beaufort Map

Click on the Historic Beaufort Map to download a PDF file for easy printing.