Beaufort

Beaufort is located in Beaufort County southwest of Charleston between Port Royal and the Coosaw River along Highway 21 near the Intracoastal Waterway.

Beaufort, known as the Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands was discovered by the Spanish in 1514 and chartered by the British in 1711. Enjoying great prosperity in the eighteenth century as indigo and rice plantations thrived, Sea Island Cotton also brought tremendous wealth to the area prior to the Civil War.

Today, Beaufort boasts tabby ruins, historic forts, elegant homes and majestic plantations. Gullah culture and cuisine are reminders of Beauforts 500-year history. In addition to a variety of 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.

There is also a Beaufort, North Carolina.