We got up and tackled updating the photos and computer, then cleaned the boat. As the weather was improving ( the sun came out and the wind died a bit), we borrowed the loaner car to go to town.
Originally inhabited by the Coree Indians, then French Huguenots, Beaufort was settled by the British in 1709. In 1713, Robert Turner held the origin land grant of 200 acres and laid out the town of Beaufort. By the late 1800’s, Beaufort become an active seaport that was filled with sailors, pirates, privateers, fisherman, soldiers and planters. The town boasts over 100 homes that are over a century and several that are over 200 years old.
We walked the Front Street shops that runs along the Newport River. The shops sold everything from Carolina linens and gifts to nautical themed items. We visited the NC Maritime Museum which told the rich history of boat building and the oystering and clamming industry, and later fishing for Menhenden. The museum also contains artifacts from Blackbeard’s ship the Queen Anne’s Revenge wreck site.
Queen Ann’s Revenge sunk in the Atlantic just off the Beaufort inlet in 1718. The pirates took any valuables off the boat before abandoning ship. Soon after Blackbeard was captured and killed. In 1996 a private shipwreck company, after thorough research, found the wreck in 20 feet of water. The wreck was a treasure trove of artifacts which are on display at the museum.
The origin homes in Beaufort were built simply using boat building tools and skills, all with double wide porches. The houses ranged from traditional cottages to Queen Anne style, all with staggered picket fences. The Old Burial Ground contains graves dating back the 1750’s as well as many Union and confederate soldiers graves.
Bill, of course, focused on the fancy boats at the downtown docks and anchored in the harbor.
We ate at the Beaufort Grocery Co restaurant, a local eatery specializing in local seafood and Southern cooking. Would recommend it to you. We knew it was popular as it was packed!,
Day 39. Beaufort
As the wind is still high ,we opted to stay in Beaufort one more day. Borrowed the loaner car first thing to do a grocery run. Then did a small repair on an area where the water was dripping in.
After that, we went back into town to walk the stores on Front Street. Had some unique nautical shops. Bill got a hat which he is wearing in a picture below. It was supposed to be for Father’s Day, oh well! Found a few things which will save for presents for Christmas or birthdays.
Walked again by some different houses, which have lots of woodwork carving typical of homes of boat builders. Also walked through the graveyard once again as Bill had not seen it yet, he was busy staring at boats!
