Are you looking for a good time in Beaufort South Carolina?

By Dataw Island on April 1, 2009 2:49 PM | No Comments

I have been looking for a new place to vacation lately and I received a great tip from one of my friends that I should check out Beaufort, South Carolina because it offers something for everyone. I'm sure glad I did because I feel I stumbled on a real gem, and I'm looking forward to spending a lot of time in such a great beach town that has so much history and character.

Beaufort was founded in 1711 and is the second oldest city in South Carolina after Charleston. This beautiful town is located on the Hilton Head Island and has been featured in the New York Times newspaper, and was called one of the top 20 fishing towns in the U.S by field and stream magazine. It is a small town with only 12,950 population inside the city itself and is known for it's impressive harbor and retaining its historic character featuring the antebellum style of architecture.

The history of Beaufort is fascinating. It seems that Europeans had explored the Lowland area for some time and a few settlements were attempted, but failed before Beaufort was established in 1711. At first the settlement faced difficulties from attacks by Native Americans and Spanish invasions made the town grow slowly. Later the town flourished as a center for ship builders. Then during the antebellum period it became a center for the aristocrats of the Low land plantation economy up until the civil war. During the war Beaufort was taken by the Union in the Battle of Port Royal and became a major center for the emancipation of slaves in south.

After the war it became a mining town because an abundance of phosphate was found and again the city flourished, until a fire in 1907 destroyed part of the city caused economic turmoil for almost fifty years. Beaufort has made an amazing recovery over the last fifty years due to the increasing military presence and booming tourist industry. The original town of Beaufort can be found in the historic district located downtown.

Downtown is considered to be anything that is found on the peninsula that sticks out into the Beaufort River, east of Ribaut Road. Other areas of the town are Spanish point, Mossy oaks, and Lady's island which has been annexed by the city. There is also the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort which became part of the city during the 90's expanding the city limits close the nearby Seabrook community. Beaufort is a popular and romantic getaway town for those looking to experience a little history, beautiful surroundings and festivals. The shrimp festival is quite famous and was noted by Southeast Tourism Society's top 20 events and celebrates one of the local industries. You might even spot one of Beaufort's more famous residents like actor Tom Berenger or Hip hop artist Jazzy Jay.

You never know who you will run into on the historic streets here. Beaufort is a small town that is popular with tourists because of its natural beauty, interesting history and well preserved antebellum architecture. I hope everyone can experience the beauty and have a nice time in Beaufort South Carolina.