History

Celebrate 500 Years of Beaufort History

Officially, the City of Beaufort will celebrate its 300th birthday in 2011. But the history of Beaufort, Port Royal, and the surrounding Sea Islands dates back almost 500 years.
 
The first Europeans to sail into Port Royal were the French in 1562. They named it "Porte Royal" because of its naturally deep harbor, its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean , and the shelter from storms provided by nearby Hilton Head Island. Prior to the city’s founding in 1711, vessels under four nations were dispatched to Beaufort to explore and experience the wonderful harbor, rich culture and wartime hospitality.

Click here to view a map of historic markers in and around Beaufort County.