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Beaufort, SC (pronounced like Beautiful Beaufort) is a charming old southern river town. According to the story, the first European settlers came here and met with the local indians. The locals said the land was poor and the water too shallow for the large boats and recommended that the settlers go on north to a place with better land and water later called Charleston. Those Native Americans were pretty quick. After another 50 or so years the Europeans did settle and built large plantations on the sea islands. Prior to the War Between the States, local politicians plotted here in the house to the left. Then, the Carolinians attacked Fort Sumtner and you know what happened after that.
Built along the Beaufort River, the town is filled with antebellum houses, blooming crepe myrtle, and spanish moss-draped live oaks. The Yankees pretty much left the town alone during the war so most of the old places still exist. The old mansion to the left undergoing renovation was a confederate hospital until their well ran dry. The town might look familiar since it was in several movies - Forrest Gump, The Great Santini, Prince of Tides. We don't know if it's the economy or not but if you are looking for a old house in the deep south there are plenty for sale in Beaufort. Within our walk of 10 or 12 blocks in the historical district, there must have been 30 on the block including the original home of the Beaufort chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
A large park follows the river front and opposite the park are several restaurants and shops tucked in under the trees. Live Jazz plays here throughout the summer and there's a Gullah Festival (local African American Islanders) in March and a Sailing Festival in July. Just down river is Parris Island where boys become men and men become Marines. Karen thought it looked like a prison as we approached. On Church Street there is an old Presbyterian Church - you can see the steeple from our anchorage. The church was built in the mid 1700's and has a few British soldiers buried there from the Revolutionary War and a lot of veterans from the War Between the States.
The people are very friendly here and we are looking forwrad to a great fireworks show tomorrow night. We should have the perfect viewing spot. Happy Independence Day!
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