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South Carolina was a major center of the transatlantic slave trade. Charleston was one of the busiest ports for the importation of enslaved Africans in North America, with an estimated 40% of all enslaved Africans brought to the United States passing through the city.
About Beaufort County
Beaufort County Timeline
Beaufort County, located in the state of South Carolina, has a rich and complex history that stretches back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Yemassee and Coosawhatchie peoples. The first European settlers arrived in the 16th century, with Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles establishing a short-lived settlement on Parris Island in 1566.
During the colonial era, Beaufort County played a significant role in the development of the region. The town of Beaufort, founded in 1711, became an important port and center of trade. It was also a major hub for plantation agriculture, with rice and indigo being the primary crops. The county thrived economically, drawing wealthy plantation owners and enslaved Africans to the area.
The county played a significant role in both the Revolutionary War and the American Civil War. During the Revolutionary War, Beaufort County was occupied by British forces, leading to the destruction of many plantations. In the Civil War, the county was a key target for Union forces, who captured the town of Beaufort and surrounding areas early in the conflict. The area remained under Union control for the duration of the war and became a haven for formerly enslaved individuals.
In the post-war period, Beaufort County experienced a period of slow recovery. The abolition of slavery brought significant changes to the social and economic fabric of the county, as former enslaved individuals sought to establish new lives and opportunities. In the 20th century, Beaufort County became a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and historic charm. Today, the county continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination and as a hub for military activity due to the presence of several military bases.
During the colonial era, Beaufort County played a significant role in the development of the region. The town of Beaufort, founded in 1711, became an important port and center of trade. It was also a major hub for plantation agriculture, with rice and indigo being the primary crops. The county thrived economically, drawing wealthy plantation owners and enslaved Africans to the area.
The county played a significant role in both the Revolutionary War and the American Civil War. During the Revolutionary War, Beaufort County was occupied by British forces, leading to the destruction of many plantations. In the Civil War, the county was a key target for Union forces, who captured the town of Beaufort and surrounding areas early in the conflict. The area remained under Union control for the duration of the war and became a haven for formerly enslaved individuals.
In the post-war period, Beaufort County experienced a period of slow recovery. The abolition of slavery brought significant changes to the social and economic fabric of the county, as former enslaved individuals sought to establish new lives and opportunities. In the 20th century, Beaufort County became a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and historic charm. Today, the county continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination and as a hub for military activity due to the presence of several military bases.
Beaufort County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Beaufort County, South Carolina.
- 1514: The area that is now Beaufort County is explored by Spanish conquistadors.
- 1663: Beaufort County is officially established as part of the Carolina Colony.
- 1711: Port Royal is settled by the French, becoming the first European settlement in the county.
- 1739: Beaufort is founded by the English as the second oldest city in South Carolina.
- 1783: The American Revolutionary War ends, and Beaufort County becomes part of the newly-formed United States.
- 1824: Beaufort County is divided into multiple counties, including present-day Beaufort and Jasper counties.
- 1861: The Civil War begins, and Beaufort County is occupied by Union forces for most of the war.
- 1868: The Reconstruction Era begins, and Beaufort County sees significant changes and political reforms.
- 1959: The Penn Center is established on St. Helena Island, promoting education and civil rights for African Americans.
- 1980: The Beaufort Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2000: Beaufort County experiences rapid population growth and becomes a major tourist destination.