History
Beaufort, South Carolina is also known as the Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands and dates back to more than 500 years in history when the Spanish Captain Pedro de Salaza discovered the area in 1514. The French soon followed in exploring and settling the area.
However, it would be the English who named the territory “Carolina” in honor of King Charles I. Eventually, Carolina split into northern and southern territories and Beaufort was founded in 1711. Beaufort quickly became an important center of commerce and culture. As the centuries passed, Beaufort began to rely on its agriculture, lumber forests, commercial fishing, tourism and strategic military bases to fuel its economy.
Added Attractions
It is Beaufort’s rich history and scenic beauty that make it a wonderful travel destination. World-renown for its historic district, many famous movies have been filmed here including The Big Chill, Forrest Gump, Prince of Tides, Glory and The Jungle Book. Only six miles from town one can be in the heart of the Gullah culture In addition to historical sightseeing and browsing in specialty shops and art galleries, there is golf, tennis, fishing and boating or just sunning at nearby beaches.