Authentic 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.
