Beaufort Historic Site | Morehead City

Beaufort Historic Site in Beaufort, North Carolina, is a carefully preserved and interpreted historic district that offers a deep dive into the maritime, colonial, and cultural heritage of one of the oldest towns on the North Carolina coast. The site represents a 12-block area originally laid out in 1713, providing visitors with an authentic experience of life from the 18th to the early 20th centuries through its collection of historic buildings, museums, guided tours, and educational programs.

Historical Significance

Beaufort was established as a colonial port town and became an important hub for trade, fishing, and shipbuilding. Its historic district reflects the architectural styles and community life of the colonial and antebellum periods, along with the rich stories of the people who lived there, including merchants, sailors, military figures, and enslaved individuals.

Key Historic Buildings and Structures

The site includes several original and restored buildings that together tell a comprehensive story of Beaufort’s past:

Leffers Cottage (circa 1778):
This modest wood-frame home belonged to Samuel Leffers, one of the earliest settlers. The cottage is furnished with period-appropriate tools and household items, demonstrating daily colonial domestic life such as spinning wool, cooking over an open hearth, and weaving cloth. It reflects the humble lifestyle of working-class residents.

Carteret County Courthouse (circa 1796):
The oldest wood-framed courthouse in North Carolina, it served as the judicial center for the county. The building is used to demonstrate historic court proceedings, allowing visitors and students to experience mock trials reflecting 18th-century legal practices. The courthouse architecture is simple yet dignified, highlighting early American civic design.

John C. Manson House (circa 1825):
An example of Federal-style architecture with delicate details and elegant interior faux finishes. The house illustrates the influence of Bahamian culture on the region, visible in its construction techniques and decorative touches. The Manson House exemplifies the increasing prosperity and sophistication of Beaufort’s merchant class.

Josiah Bell House (circa 1825):
This Victorian-style residence belonged to Josiah Fisher Bell, known as a Confederate secret agent during the Civil War. The house interior exhibits a rich mix of styles, from Victorian to early 20th-century Art Nouveau, reflecting changing tastes over time. It holds artifacts and documents related to Bell’s espionage activities and regional Civil War history.

The Old Jail (circa 1829):
A fortress-like brick structure with walls 28 inches thick, this jail was used until 1954. It features narrow windows and heavy doors designed for security. Local legends speak of hauntings and prisoners who once inhabited its cells, adding an element of mystery and folklore to the historic site.

Apothecary and Doctor’s Office (circa 1859):
This building houses a collection of medical instruments, pharmaceutical bottles, and equipment from the 19th century. It educates visitors on early medical practices, remedies, and the role of doctors and apothecaries in a small coastal town.

Russell House (circa 1732):
The oldest standing structure in the historic district, it now serves as the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery. The gallery exhibits art from over 100 local and regional artists, bridging the town’s history with its contemporary cultural scene.

Guided Tours and Experiences

The Beaufort Historic Site offers a variety of immersive tours designed to engage visitors in the rich history of the town:

Historic Buildings Tour:
Knowledgeable docents, often dressed in period costumes, lead visitors through several buildings, sharing detailed stories about the architecture, past inhabitants, and social history. The tour covers aspects of colonial and antebellum daily life, maritime commerce, and community events.

Double-Decker Bus Tour:
A distinctive way to explore the larger Beaufort Historic District, this narrated tour uses a classic 1967 English double-decker bus. The guide recounts tales of pirates, privateers, famous residents, and historical events, providing a broader context of Beaufort’s role in coastal North Carolina history.

Old Burying Ground Tour:
A guided walk through one of Beaufort’s oldest cemeteries, dating back over 300 years. Visitors learn about the town’s early settlers and notable figures interred there, all while appreciating the majestic live oak trees and historic grave markers.

Educational Programs

The site offers well-developed, curriculum-based educational programming aimed at students of various ages, making history accessible and interactive:

Courthouse Dramatization:
Students participate in reenactments of historical court cases, gaining an understanding of early American legal systems, civic responsibilities, and the role of courts in colonial life.

Kindergarten Thanksgiving Program:
Young learners engage in hands-on activities that recreate colonial preparations for winter and holiday seasons, including traditional crafts and food.

Harvest Time Program for Fourth Graders:
Through candle making, food preservation, and other colonial-era activities, children experience what life was like for Beaufort’s residents during the fall harvest season.

These programs emphasize experiential learning and promote appreciation for cultural heritage.

Additional Features

Mattie King Davis Art Gallery:
Located in the Russell House, the gallery presents rotating exhibits featuring paintings, pottery, photography, and sculptures from local artists. It celebrates Beaufort’s ongoing artistic community and connection to its coastal environment.

Old Beaufort Shop:
A gift store offering handmade crafts, books, jewelry, and historical souvenirs. It supports local artisans and provides visitors with unique mementos reflecting Beaufort’s character.

Herb Garden:
Maintained by the Beaufort Herb Society, this garden contains plants historically used for cooking, medicine, and dyeing. The garden educates visitors on the botanical traditions of the region and the practical uses of various herbs.

Visitor Information

Location: 130 Turner Street, Beaufort, North Carolina

Operating Hours:

April to December: Monday through Saturday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

January to March: Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Contact Number: (252) 728-5225

The site is accessible and offers ample parking. Admission fees are modest, supporting ongoing preservation and programming.

Summary

The Beaufort Historic Site preserves a vibrant window into North Carolina’s coastal colonial and antebellum history through its authentic buildings, engaging tours, and interactive programs. Visitors gain insights into the lives of early settlers, the legal and social framework of a small port town, and the region’s maritime heritage. It is both a cultural landmark and an educational resource, connecting past and present with vivid storytelling and tangible experiences.