Old Burying Ground

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the weathered tombstones date back to the early 1700s chronicle the heritage of Beaufort and the surrounding coast. Stories of military heroes, star-crossed lovers, privateers and noted Beaufort residents of all ages are featured under a protective canopy of live oaks. The earliest graves were marked with shell, brick, or wooden slabs, because stone markers had to be brought from afar by wooden sailing vessels. Characteristic of this period are vaulted graves bricked over in an attempt to protect them from high water and wild animals. Self-guided tours with maps available at the Safrit Historical Center on the grounds of the Beaufort Historic Site. From June through September, the Beaufort Historical Association gives narrated tours of the Old Burying Ground on Ann Street.