Beaufort County has every right to boast about its scenic beauty and friendly atmosphere. It’s what attracts the many visitors and new residents to its historic towns, beaches and outstanding resorts.
Located on the south eastern coast of South Carolina, it comprises 923 square miles, over one third of which is water. Add to this a yearly average temperature of 65 degrees and you have an idyllic place to relax and enjoy exploring historical sites, observing the diverse wildlife or being challenged by one of its many world class golf courses.

In addition to the marshy land area there are a number of tidal and barrier islands known as the Sea Islands dotted along the coast. Woven among these islands is the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway which runs the entire eastern seaboard of the U.S. The waterway is heavily used both for commercial transportation and recreational boating.

Beaufort County also is the home of three military bases. Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station is the site of one of the largest aircraft groups. In Port Royal you will find the U.S. Naval Hospital and U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island. Over ten percent of the population of Beaufort County is represented by military personnel and their families.

The History of Beaufort County

As far back as 4,000 B.C. this area was inhabited by Indians as evidenced by the shell ring located on Hilton Head Island. European discovery did not occur until the early 1500’s and was led by the Spanish and followed by the French. By the mid 1500’s the English has established the first Protestant settlement in the location of Port Royal.

A century later King Charles, II granted land to eight lord proprietors, one of whom was Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort. In the early 1700’s the territory that was known as Carolina was split into North Carolina and South Carolina. The four parishes of Prince William, St. Helena, St. Luke and St. Peter were joined to form Beaufort County in the mid 1700’s and it was named in honor of the Duke.

Prior to the Civil War the area thrived on its indigo, rice and cotton plantations due in large part to the port in Beaufort. Its famed sea island cotton was thought to be the finest cotton grown. By the late 1800’s the area drew the attention of northerners because of its prime fishing and game hunting which lead to the development of private hunting clubs. Military presence began in the early 1900’s when the Marine Corps established a training center on Parris Island. The 1950’s saw a rapid expansion of the resort industry, particularly on Hilton Head Island. However, it wasn’t until 1983 that the town of Hilton Head was incorporated.

The Cities and Towns of Beaufort County

The northern portion of the county includes the towns of Yemassee, Sheldon, Lobeco, Dale, Seabrook, Laurel Bay and Wilkins. Beaufort, which is the second oldest town in South Carolina, Burton, Shell Point, Port Royal, Parris Island, Hilton Head Island and Bluffton make up the southern portion of the county.

In addition to these towns are several Sea Islands along the coast. These include Callawassie Island, Cane Island, Cat Island, Coosaw Island, Dataw Island, Daufuskie Island, Distant Island, Fripp Island, Gibbes Island, Hunting Island, Lady’s Island, Morgan Island, Parris Island, Port Royal Island, Pritchards Island, St. Helena Island, St. Phillips Island and the most well known, Hilton Head Island. While some of the islands remain uninhabited on others you will find the Gullah or Geechee culture still being preserved. Dataw Island, Callawassie Island and Fripp Island are home to some of the finest resorts and residential communities.

The Economy of Beaufort County

From 2000 to 2006 Beaufort’s population increased nearly twenty percent. It’s for this reason that it is considered one of the fastest growing counties in the South. With the large military presence, tourism and influx of new residents the opportunities for business continues to expand. Unemployment over the last year has remained at five percent or less and median household income has increased approximately six percent since 2000.

Getting to Beaufort County

Beaufort County is easily accessible however you choose to travel. There are several exits along Interstate 95 and U.S. 17 which will lead you into the area. Mileage from major cities includes: Atlanta – 287, Baltimore – 600, Chicago – 934, Cincinnati – 643, Indianapolis – 749, Nashville – 534, New York City – 788, Miami – 534, Pittsburgh – 676, Richmond – 442 and Washington, D.C. – 553.

There are two airports within Beaufort County. The Beaufort County Airport will accommodate private and corporate planes and Hilton Head Island Airport offers daily connecting flights on Delta and U.S. Airways. Just an hour to the north is the Charleston Airport. There are over 60 daily flights to major cities through AirTran, American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and U.S. Airways. Located an hour south is the Savannah International Airport which is serviced by AirTran, Delta, Northwest, United, Continental and U.S. Airways. These carriers have daily as well as Saturday and Sunday only departures to major cities across the country.

The Intracoastal Waterway makes Beaufort County easily accessible by boat. There are several marinas along the coast including the Beaufort Marina, Dataw Island Marina, Freeport Marina and Lady Island Marina. These marinas offer a variety of services and are located within walking distance of restaurants, shopping and many historical sites.

Healthcare and Schools in Beaufort County

There are three hospitals in Beaufort County. Beaufort Memorial Hospital, affiliated with the Duke University Health System, is an accredited hospital which has also been designated as a Center of Excellence for various services. Hilton Head Regional Medical Center, also an accredited facility, has approximately 90 beds and offers services at it main campus as well as in Bluffton. The U.S. Naval Hospital, considered one of the best in the country, is located in Port Royal.

There are over twenty schools in the Beaufort County School District which provide an education to over 17,000 students. Higher education is available at the University of South Carolina in downtown Beaufort and in Bluffton. The Technical College of the Lowcountry, also located in Beaufort, offers a number of degree, diploma and certificate programs. Nearby Charleston is home of the Charleston School of Law, Medical University of South Carolina and College of Charleston, which is the 13th oldest university. Just to the south in Savannah is Savannah College of Art & Design, South University, Armstrong Atlantic State University and Savannah State University.

Sightseeing in Beaufort County

The rich history and the abundance of natural beauty provide a great many points of interest in Beaufort County. Some of the most notable include Hunting Island State Park, Parris Island Museum, Daws Island Heritage Preserve, Beaufort Museum, and The John Mark Verdier House.

It’s not hard to see why Huntington Island State Park attracts a significant number of visitors. Its beaches, nature trails and fishing spots make this a popular place to enjoy. The island is also the site of the Hunting Island Lighthouse. The original lighthouse, destroyed during the Civil War, was replaced with the current structure built in the 1870’s. The lighthouse is built with cast iron plates which permitted it to be moved in the late 1880’s due to significant beach erosion. After a climb up the spiral staircase you can take in the panoramic view of the park, the ocean and marshland. To view the wildlife in the preserve spend some time around the lagoon or take a walk along the boardwalk which offers guided tours. The island is also a nesting ground for the Loggerhead Turtle. Eggs deposited on the beach are taken to the hatchery to ensure their safety. Once hatched these turtles are carefully released. A volunteer program offers you a chance to assist in keeping the turtles safe as they make their way to the sea.

The Parris Island Museum provides you with a picture of the diverse history of the island. Once occupied the by Native Americans, it later was the site of English and Spanish settlements. Other exhibits cover the American Revolution and Civil War periods. One entire floor of the museum covers the history of the Marine Corp from the early 1900s to the present.

Daws Island Heritage Preserve is only accessible by boat. This nearly 2,000 acre site is located between the Colleton River and Broad River in Port Royal Sound. Its prehistoric sites, known as shell rings, are deposits of oyster shells constructed by Native Americans about 4,500 years ago. Numerous archaeologists having studied these rings and theorize they were used for habitation or native ceremonies. An abundance of wildlife can be viewed during your visit including osprey, manatees and sea turtles.

The Beaufort Museum contains many artifacts which span the local history from the early Native American inhabitants to the residents of the 20th century. It also includes the exhibits from the European settlements and the Civil War. The museum is located in the Arsenal which is one of Beaufort’s most notable historic sites. Built in the late 1700’s the building was a laboratory for making explosives. During the Civil War it was occupied by the U.S. Army and later became a National Guard station until the late 1960’s.

Also, in historic Beaufort you can tour the John Mark Verdier House. The home provides a glimpse of life during the 19th century. After serving in the American Revolution Mr. Verdier become a wealthy merchant in sea island cotton and the shipping trade. Around 1800 Mr. Verdier built what was one of the finest homes in Beaufort which featured a ballroom occupying most of the homes top floor. During the Civil War it was used as a federal headquarters after which it became the site of many commercial businesses. As the years passed its beauty suffered but it was rescued from further destruction when purchased by Verdier heirs in the 1940’s. The Beaufort Historic Foundation took over its restoration in the 1960’s.

Recreation in Beaufort County

With the perfect climate there is always time for the many outdoor activities available to residents and visitors alike. There are endless ways to enjoy the many lakes, rivers and the ocean besides sailing, boating and kayaking. Try your hand at shrimping or crabbing or for more adventure there are deep sea fishing charters. Recently Field and Stream named the city of Beaufort as a top 20 spot for fishing. If you’re looking for land activities there are a number of historical walking tours as well as hiking or jogging in the state parks and preserves.

Of course South Carolina is synonymous with golf. There are a number of courses throughout Beaufort County. Some of the best courses include May River Golf Course in Bluffton, Harbour Town Golf Links at the Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island and Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort. The May River course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is full of floral gardens and live oaks. Several of the holes run along the May River’s edge. The world-famous Harbour Town Golf Links offers a challenge to even the most veteran golfers. Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort is considered one of the best golf resorts in the country. There are two seaside courses, Ocean Point and Ocean Creek, which have incredible scenic views and are often frequented by the abundant wildlife found in the area.

Dining in Beaufort County

In Lowcountry there is always great food to enjoy. Fresh seafood, spicy barbecue or Frogmore Stew is just a sample of what you will find here. Frogmore Stew, also known as Beaufort Stew is a tasty one-pot feast made with shrimp, corn, sausage and potatoes. Whether you’re looking for a casual waterfront restaurant or fine dining there is something here for every taste.

Relocating to Beaufort County

Beaufort County is one of the fastest growing counties in South Carolina. With the ideal weather, its beauty and the friendliness of its residents it’s no wonder that readers of Southern Living recently voted the town of Beaufort as the best small southern town. And baby boomers aren’t the only ones relocating to the area. A significant share of the growth is the result of young couples looking for an ideal place to raise a family. With the rapid growth Beaufort County implemented a conservation program to protect acres of forests, wetlands and beaches as well as historic sites. The goal of this program is to protect the natural beauty and quality of life, two of the most important assets of Beaufort County.

Real Estate in Beaufort County

Whatever your lifestyle you’ll find a place to call home in Beaufort County. There are new developments which feature golf course villas, lake front homes, condos and townhouses. The Settings of Mackay Point in Yemassee and Hampton Lake in Bluffton are two locations which offer upscale living with all the amenities you’re looking for.