Beaufort

Historic Hot Spot

After crossing the drawbridge from the west into the quaint town of Beaufort, you’ll find yourself in a place like no other. Breathe in the fragrant salty air as you stroll leisurely down the tree-lined streets and past historic homes and buildings. Investigate the mysteries of local legend Blackbeard the Pirate underwater or in an interactive museum. Jump aboard a high-speed boat to the nearby Cape Lookout National Seashore to explore pristine nature, untouched for centuries. Or just sit back and relax on the patio of a lovely old inn and toast to another relaxing day in this seaside paradise.

Both quaint and bustling, Beaufort has all the flavor of a small North Carolina port town but with enough attractions, amenities and activities to rival any seaside destination. Most of all, it is the history of the town that gives Beaufort its distinct character and unique setting.

Settled in 1709, Beaufort is North Carolina’s third oldest town. Originally inhabited by the Coree Indians in their village, Cwarioc, meaning “fish town,” Beaufort was then inhabited by French Hugenots and eventually settled by the British in 1709. In 1713, Robert Turner, who held the original land grant for 200 acres, laid out the town and named the streets just as they are today. The town was named in honor of Turner’s friend Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort, and was incorporated in 1722.

By the late 18th century, Beaufort was becoming an active seaport. Inhabited by sailors, privateers, fisherman, soldiers and planters, it was a diverse community with a common thread—the sea. While Beaufort’s active sea trade allowed it to be connected with seaports thousands of miles away, its geography kept it isolated from the interior of the state. This isolation has helped the town retain its historic appearance.

As the seaport became active so did the lingering pirates, one in particular you may have heard of—Edward Teach a.k.a. Blackbeard. His ship ran aground on a sandbar near Beaufort, and he and his crew would come into the Pamlico Sound to visit and resupply, and the Beaufort harbor became their comfortable place for rest and rejuvenation. Most were appalled that these pirates were allowed to roam the land freely and were tolerated by government officials.

According to popular belief, Blackbeard was a frequent visitor to Core Sound, perhaps residing at the Hammock House when in the neighborhood. Legend has it that he would merely anchor his ship in the creek, row to the house and tie up on the porch post, while other stories depict Blackbeard burying treasure in the Hammock House yard, although none has been found to this day. Artifacts from Blackbeard’s famous flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, can be found at the NC Maritime Museum.

In the 20th century, Beaufort continued to grow. There were lulls where not much happened and spurts of building and great influxes of people moving to the area. In the early 1900s, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church School came to life once again after a more than 30-year lapse in teaching. In 1906, the railroad came across the way and started making regular visits to Beaufort. In 1907, the railroad station on Broad Street was built, and a new, large brick courthouse was built on the square.

Still standing today are the homes of Beaufort’s early sea captains, seafarers and merchants. Beaufort boasts more than 100 homes in the Historic District (which is on the National Register of Historic Places) that are more than a century old and several private residences that are more than 200 years old. In many of these homes, you will see the influence of the West Indies architecture brought to Beaufort from generations of sea trade.

The Beaufort Historical Association, which celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2010, owns and operates the Beaufort Historic Site, a two-acre complex that includes eight historic buildings, six of which are restored, ranging from a 1778 primitive cottage to the apothecary shop and doctor’s office of 1859. Tours of the historic buildings as well as the Old Burying Grounds and Historic District Bus tours aboard a 1967 open-top double-decker bus are all available. Visit the Safrit Historical Center, which acts as the visitor’s information center for Beaufort and surrounding areas, and it also houses the Old Beaufort Shop, where visitors can purchase gifts, toys and handcrafted items created by local artists.

At the Watercraft Center, visitors can watch the construction and restoration of wooden boats and ship models. Outstanding shell collections and a variety of field trips, lectures and programs for all ages round out the offerings of this excellent museum.

Beaufort’s rich history, though, can’t compete with the sheer beauty of the coastline that surrounds it. Walk along Beaufort’s waterfront and look across Taylor’s Creek to herds of wild ponies grazing just as their ancestors did in colonial times. Ferry operators, local boat tours, and kayak rentals are available to the wildlife refuges and national seashore of Shackleford Banks, Bird Shoals and Carrot Island. Pristine beaches and beautiful waters await you there. Take a picnic and plan to fish, camp, collect seashells, swim or just relax in a gorgeous setting.

When not exploring the outdoors or immersing yourself in Beaufort history, stop in to do some shopping at some of the town’s quaint shops or boutiques. Visitors could spend hours wandering the streets and popping into the eclectic stores. It’s always a great time for antiquing, and Beaufort’s shops are filled with vintage treasures. Sample some fudge for that sweet tooth craving, or roam the colorful aisles of a local bookstore to find that perfect read for the beach.

After you’re shopped up an appetite, grab a bite at one of the cafes, restaurants or specialty food stores that line the waterfront and historic streets. Enjoy the fresh catch at area seafood venues, or take a seat at one of the local favorites and get a true feel for this bustling waterfront village.

For more information, visit www.beaufortnc.org.

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