Beaufort

Beaufort sits in Beaufort County along the South Carolina coast, surrounded by tidal creeks and barrier islands of the Lowcountry region. Streets wind through neighborhoods lined with old trees, gardens, and houses from different centuries.

The settlement was founded in 1711 as one of the first European towns in the region, two decades after Charleston. It grew through trade and agriculture into a key hub for the colony and later the state.

The French name appears on street signs and storefronts, while most residents today speak English and call the place home. Low-built wooden and brick houses along the waterways recall an era when rice plantations shaped the area.

A walk along the waterfront promenade offers views of the architecture and daily life along the water. Most public areas are easy to reach on foot or by bicycle.

The pronunciation differs from the town of the same name in North Carolina and is rendered here as BYEW-fert. Visitors sometimes notice the difference when locals say the name.

Location: Beaufort County

Inception: 1711

Elevation above the sea: 3 m

Website: https://cityofbeaufort.org

GPS coordinates: 32.43194,-80.68944

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:55