Beautiful is a good descriptor for this town. Everywhere you look on the residential streets of old town there are immense live oak trees draped in Spanish moss and resurrection fern. These are interspersed with crepe myrtle, magnolia and palmettos. And then there are the flowering shrubs (yes even in January). The homes underneath and next to all this greenery are a profusion of architectural styles.
The key to pronunciation used here is “Beautiful BEAU-fort”. The Beaufort in North Carolina is BOW-fort. Beautiful is a good descriptor for this town. Everywhere you look on the residential streets of old town there are immense live oak trees draped in Spanish moss and resurrection fern. These are interspersed with crepe myrtle, magnolia and palmettos. And then there are the flowering shrubs (yes even in January). The homes underneath and next to all this greenery are a profusion of architectural styles. 1770 Federal (most of which were later embellished with columns), 1840 anti-bellum with wide verandas to catch the sea breezes and a variety of replacement homes built after the great fire of 1907. What saved all these anti-bellum mansions from Sherman’s torch was that 44 of the mansions were used as union hospitals including one for the Massachusetts’ 54th Regiment. Every war fought on American soil found it’s way to Beaufort. The French blockaded the harbor during the French and Indian war in 1756. Just like Lexington there are British soldiers buried here after the Battle of Port Royal in 1779. During the war of 1812 there was a British blockade and, then there was the Civil War. Add to that hurricanes and devastating fires. It’s a miracle that Beaufort has survived at all. The anti-bellum mansions were summer homes for the plantation owners. The weather and risk of disease drove them off the Sea Island plantations in the summer. These gorgeous homes were used only four months out of year. We signed up for a two-hour, two-mile historical walking tour with local guide and definite character, Jon Sharp. There were other shorter general walking tours and the picturesque horse draw carriages with driver/guides. Jon’s tour may be a bit much for the non-history buff but Marsha definitely enjoyed it. Harry wasn't so sure but is still talking about all the things he learned today. Beaufort has a lovely waterfront park for strolling and sitting. The sitting is really lovely because of the swings. We are talking swings for grown ups. Today the weather was perfect for this activity. Dinner tonight in the nearby small town of Port Royal at the Dockside Restaurant with shrimp boats tied up just outside the windows. Yes, the shrimp was really fresh and delicious.
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Table of ContentsHarry Forsdick & Marsha BakerWe enjoy traveling and writing about our trips. Not only does it provide a way to express ourselves with words and pictures, but it also is a good way to remember what we've done... Categories
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