On the coast of North Carolina, facing the Beaufort Inlet and protected from the sea by the arms of the Southern Outer Banks, is the old port town of Beaufort, NC  A town unharmed by progress, retaining the charm of its early days with 18th century homes of pirates, sea captains, shippers and merchants still standing, gleaming white, on the Waterfront and along the elm-shaded streets.  A town rich in history and folklore that invites all to come for a peaceful day in the past. 

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Since the first landing by French Huguenots in 1709, Beaufort, North Carolina has been visited by patriots, privateers and pirates alike! It is North Carolina's third oldest town right after Bath and New Bern and was surveyed in 1713 - nearly 20 years before the birth of George Washington!  

    Originally a fishing village and port of safety, the town is the county seat of Carteret County.  It was built on the site of the Indian Village, "Wariock" which means "fish town" or "fishing village" and until it was incorporated in 1722, it was known as "Fishtowne"

    In 1708 the Lord Proprietors realized this was a logical spot for a seaport town and made a Land Grant for that purpose.  In 1713, Robert Turner, a promoter, had 200 acres surveyed and lots and streets laid out.  The present street names reflect the early development of the town - Ann Street for Queen Anne, Craven Street for the Earl of Craven; Moore Street for Colonel Maurice Moore of South Carolina who gave help in the Indian Wars; Queen Street is a second tribute to Queen Anne; Pollock Street is for the governor at the time of the 1713 survey; Orange Street for William, Prince of Orange, who became William III of England  and finally Turner Street for the man who had the vision, Robert Turner.

Beaufort does not have the palatial homes of other old North Carolina towns.  Although in its early days it was an important seaport, the plantation owners, who had large mansions in the interior of the state, only had their town homes here so they could transact business of shipping, boat building, whaling and other sea-related endeavors.  Planters built their summer homes in Beaufort for their families to escape the heat and enjoy the cooler, healthier climate.

Beaufort, NC