Weather Data Source: South Carolina Weather
After the Civil War, the local economy shifted towards phosphate mining. However, the city’s growth was stunted by a devastating hurricane in 1893 and a significant fire in 1907, both of which caused extensive damage and economic hardship, slowing the city’s development for nearly half a century.
In the latter half of the 20th century, Beaufort transformed into a popular tourist destination and benefited from the expansion of military installations in the region, which brought about increased employment opportunities. Local efforts to preserve the city’s historic character and significant architecture have helped Beaufort receive continuous praise in regional and national media for its attractiveness and quality of life.
In 2022, Beaufort established an informal sister city relationship with Ostroh, Ukraine, showcasing solidarity by raising funds to support the Ukrainian city during the Russian invasion. Additionally, numerous sites within Beaufort, such as the Beaufort Historic District, The Anchorage, and the Robert Smalls House, are recognized and preserved as part of the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting the city’s rich historical legacy and architectural significance.
The historical narrative of Beaufort, South Carolina, begins in the early 16th century when Spanish Captain Pedro de Salazar explored the area between 1514 and 1516. This marked Beaufort County as the site of the second landing on the North American continent by Europeans. Despite numerous European explorations and several failed colonization attempts, it wasn’t until 1711 that British colonists officially founded the city, naming it after Henry Somerset, the 2nd Duke of Beaufort.
Initially, Beaufort grew slowly, frequently facing attacks from Native American tribes and persistent threats from the neighboring Spanish Empire. The city first emerged as a hub for shipbuilding and subsequently thrived as a central location for the Lowcountry planters when the region became known as a slave society. This prosperity continued through the era of the Civil War.
The Civil War introduced significant changes to Beaufort. Shortly after the war began, Union forces occupied the city following the Battle of Port Royal. This early occupation allowed Beaufort to become a refuge for escaping slaves. The Union then declared these slaves emancipated and initiated educational programs and preparations for their full independence, with the Freedmen’s Bureau playing a crucial role during Reconstruction.
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