Beaufort Historic Site
Discover Three Centuries of Coastal Carolina History
Beaufort is one of North Carolina’s oldest towns, and the Beaufort Historic Site sits at the center of the history that shaped it. The two-acre site in the heart of the historic district brings 18th and 19th century coastal Carolina to life through six authentically restored buildings, each with its own story.
North Carolina’s third oldest town, Beaufort lies on the coast bordering the southern tip of the Outer Banks. Originally a fishing village and port of safety dating from the late 1600s, Beaufort has been visited by patriots, privateers, merchants, and skilled craftsmen who built Bahamian and West Indian style homes and public buildings. Approximately 150 of these restored historic homes proudly bear plaques noting the names of earliest known owners and dates of original construction.
The Plan of Beaufort Towne, laid out in 1713, survives in a 12-block area that today is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in the heart of this historic district, the Beaufort Historic Site depicts 18th and 19th century coastal Carolina. The two-acre site is open to the public and staffed Monday through Saturday year-round.
For information about guided tours, visit our Tours page.
The Buildings
Leffers Cottage & Garden, c.1778
This rustic cottage was once home to Samuel Leffers, a schoolmaster, merchant, and clerk of the court. The primitive house provides the perfect setting to showcase artifacts relating to the daily chores of cooking, spinning, sewing, candle making, and weaving in the Colonial period. The Leffers Garden depicts a typical colonial garden of the 1800s and is maintained by Master Gardener Volunteers of Carteret County as an educational resource.
Carteret County Courthouse, c.1796
The oldest wood-framed courthouse in North Carolina, this building underwent an award-winning restoration between 1997 and 2001. It serves as the backdrop for the site’s courthouse dramatization, a hands-on tool for educating students about the early American legal system.
John C. Manson House, c.1825
Josiah Bell House, c.1825
The Old Jail, c.1829
A favorite with younger visitors, the Old Jail has 28-inch thick walls and a history that includes ghost legends and a single recorded hanging in 1874. The jailer and his family lived on the premises alongside the prisoners, though in considerably more comfortable quarters. The jail remained in active use until 1954 and completed a full restoration in 2022.
Apothecary & Doctor’s Office, c.1859
Built in 1859, the apothecary remains largely unchanged in appearance. It houses a priceless collection of medicinal and pharmaceutical artifacts, most original to the shop, that draw visitors and local residents back repeatedly. The Herb Garden behind the building features plants and herbs representative of what was used for medicinal and cooking purposes during Colonial times, maintained by Master Gardener Volunteers of Carteret County.
The Site Is Open Year-Round
The Beaufort Historic Site is open Monday through Saturday year-round. Whether you’re planning a personal visit, bringing a school group, or looking to explore the history of coastal Carolina in depth, the site has something worth your time.