Beaufort, South Carolina
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| City of Beaufort | |
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| — City — | |
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| Coordinates: 32°25′55″N 80°41′22″W / 32.43194°N 80.68944°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | South Carolina |
| County | Beaufort |
| Incorporated | 1711 |
| Government | |
| - Mayor | Billy Keyserling |
| Area | |
| - City | 23.4 sq mi (60.7 km2) |
| - Land | 18.6 sq mi (48.2 km2) |
| - Water | 4.8 sq mi (12.5 km2) |
| Elevation | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Population (2000) | |
| - City | 12,950 |
| - Density | 695.7/sq mi (268.6/km2) |
| - Urban | 46,227 |
| - Metro | 66,308 |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST) (UTC-5) |
| - Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) |
| ZIP codes | 29901-29907 |
| Area code(s) | 843 |
| FIPS code | 45-04690[1] |
| GNIS feature ID | 1245003[2] |
Beaufort is a city and county seat in Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. Chartered in 1711, it is the second-oldest city in South Carolina, behind Charleston. The city's population was 12,950 in the 2000 census (46,227 total pop. of Beaufort Urban Cluster). It is located in the Hilton Head Island-Beaufort Micropolitan Area.
Beaufort (pronounced /ˈbjuːfərt/ BEW-fərt, unlike its counterpart in North Carolina) is located on Port Royal Island, in the heart of the Sea Islands and Lowcountry. The city is renowned for its scenic location and for maintaining a historic character through its impressive antebellum architecture. The city is also known for its military establishments, being located in close proximity to Parris Island and a U.S. Naval Hospital, in addition to being home of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
The city has been featured in the New York Times, named "Best Small Southern Town" by Southern Living, named a "Top 25 Small City Arts Destination" by American Style, named a "Top 20 Fishing Town" by Field and Stream, and a "Top 50 Adventure Town" by National Geographic Adventure.[3]
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[edit] History
The Lowcountry region had been subject to numerous European explorations and several aborted attempts at colonization before the British successfully founded the city in 1711. The city initially grew slowly, subject to numerous attacks from Native American tribes and threats of Spanish invasion before flourishing as a center for shipbuilding and later in the antebellum period as the aristocratic center for the Lowcountry plantation economy up through the Civil War.
Several months after hostilities began between the states, Beaufort was occupied by Union forces following the Battle of Port Royal. Due in part to its early occupation, the city became a center of emancipation efforts for newly freed slaves during the war and into Reconstruction. After the war, the city relied on phosphate mining before a devastating hurricane in 1893 and a fire in 1907 brought economic turmoil and stagnant growth to the city for nearly half a century. The community rebounded in the later half of the 20th century due to the growth of the military presence and the development of tourism. In spite of new development, Beaufort has retained much of its historic character through its renowned architecture and historic preservation efforts.
[edit] Geography
Beaufort is located at 32°25′55″N 80°41′22″W / 32.43194°N 80.68944°W (32.431853, -80.689515)[4].
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city is amid a marshy estuary, and has a total area of 23.4 square miles (60.7 km²), of which, 18.6 square miles (48.2 km²) of it is land and 4.8 square miles (12.5 km²) of it (20.57%) is water.
[edit] Neighborhoods
[edit] Historic District
The original settlement of Beaufort can be found in the downtown or historic district area. 304 acres (1.23 km2) of the town have been designated a National Historic Landmark. With approximate dimensions, downtown is defined as anything upon the peninsula jutting into the Beaufort River that is located east of Ribaut Road (US 21). Further defined, downtown is broken into five distinct neighborhoods:
- Downtown is centered along Bay Street, Beaufort's historic commercial street. It includes other nearby streets and is mainly commercial in character. Located between the Beaufort River and Bay Street is the newly renovated Henry Chambers Waterfront Park, which overlooks the Beaufort River and is home to many of the city's festivals and events. Most non-tourist commercial services have since relocated to areas such as Boundary Street, Ribaut Road, and Lady's Island.
- The Point neighborhood (also known as the Old Point) is home to some of Beaufort's largest, oldest, and most expensive homes. Defined as the land between Carteret Street and the Beaufort River, this portion of downtown does not follow the major street grid.
- The Bluff area is located along Bay Street and North Street, immediately west of downtown. The large homes in the area are some of the most recognizable in the city and have a scenic overlook of the Beaufort River. The art deco U.S. District Courthouse is located at the western end of the Bluff.
- The Old Commons neighborhood (also known as the Northeast Quadrant) is located in the northeastern portion of Beaufort's original street grid and is defined as the area between Carteret Street on the east, North Street on the south, Charles Street on the west, and Boundary Street to the north. Originally home to a hodgepodge of medium-sized homes, graveyards, and chapels, this section of downtown is undergoing reinvestment and redevelopment, yet retains a southern style of architecture.
- The Northwest Quadrant neighborhood is loosely defined as the area between Charles Street on the east, Prince Street to the south, Ribaut Road on the west, and Boundary Street to the north. This area has for generations been the center of Beaufort's African-American community and is composed of late 19th and early 20th century homes, many in a shotgun architectural style. Bladen Street serves as the principal street through the community and was recently renovated with improved landscaping and pedestrian access.
[edit] Other Areas
- Uptown refers to a series of mostly commercial properties along Boundary Street, which separates the historic district from the Pigeon Point neighborhood. Uptown is not formally considered a neighborhood on its own, yet merchants have created a unique identity to market the commercial area separately from downtown merchants clustered on Bay Street.
- The Pigeon Point neighborhood is located immediately north of Downtown Beaufort and is bound on the west by the Beaufort National Cemetery. It is centered around two major city parks: Pigeon Point Community Park and the Basil Green Recreation Complex. An area with smaller homes and mostly one-story early 20th century structures, Pigeon Point has experienced a renewal of development interest, with many homes being "flipped" or renovated in recent years.
- The Depot neighborhood is located west of Ribaut Road, south of Boundary Street and north of the Technical College of the Lowcountry campus. It has been the focus of recent redevelopment efforts with regards to home improvements. Formerly concentrated around the Beaufort rail station (the depot), the neighborhood has similar characteristics to the Pigeon Point community and has many military families living in it, due in part to the proximity of Beaufort's military institutions.
- The Spanish Point neighborhood is located between Downtown and Mossy Oaks, generally considered to be clustered around the Technical College of the Lowcountry campus and the Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Several upscale residential neighborhoods and healthcare-oriented commercial establishments are typical characteristics of this area.
- The Mossy Oaks neighborhood is at the southern edge of the city limits (along the border of Port Royal), generally considered to be south of the Technical College of the Lowcountry campus and the Beaufort Memorial Hospital. There are some commercial establishments in the area in addition to residential neighborhoods ranging from apartments to smaller single-family homes and duplexes.
- Portions of Lady's Island have been annexed by Beaufort, though the City does not have complete jurisdiction of the entire island. Most of the incorporated areas are upscale residential communities and the Beaufort County Airport.
- Beaufort Town Center is a recent term given to a series of developments along Boundary Street located west of the historic district and Pigeon Point that is clustered near the Beaufort County government complex and the City of Beaufort's municipal complex construction site. Though much of the area (and the term) is owned by a single developer, many of Beaufort's commercial properties and administrative uses have moved to this area.
- Once the outer edge of town, the corridors along Boundary Street (US Highway 21), Robert Smalls Parkway (SC Highway 170), and Ribaut Road now serve as Beaufort's major commercial corridors. Several major shopping centers in addition to numerous dining establishments and lodging facilities are the standard business types in this area.
- The Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort was annexed into the City in the 1990s, expanding the city limits northward near the unincorporated Seabrook community. Previous attempts at bringing large-scale residential development north of the air station were defeated after protests from long-time citizens and environmental advocacy groups.
[edit] Culture
[edit] Media
Beaufort's printed daily newspaper is The Beaufort Gazette and its online daily newspaper is The Beaufort Tribune. The Beaufort area also has a weekly printed newspaper known as The Island News and some occasional online newspapers like The Beaufort Bulletin.
Several radio stations have transmission feeds originating or duplicating in Beaufort.
Beaufort has one local television station, WJWJ-TV (PBS). Beaufort is part of the Savannah, Georgia Designated Market Area, and additionally receives Charleston television stations.
[edit] Books and film
Beaufort has been the setting for several novels by native son Pat Conroy, and a popular filming location for major motion pictures, including The Big Chill, The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini, Forrest Gump, Something To Talk About and G.I. Jane. Lady's Island and the slave trade is the subject of an award winning novel by Lawrence Hill, The Book of Negroes (a/k/a Someone Knows My Name).
[edit] Tourism and events
Beaufort is a romantic and popular tourist destination known for its history. Major festivals and arts events include the Water Festival, a two-week extravaganza in the middle of July, the Shrimp Festival, celebrating the local and traditional industry, is in the first weekend in October. In 2007, The Beaufort Shrimp Festival was selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Events.[3] The Beaufort International Film Festival held the first week of March screens independent films, such as Brats. A Taste of Beaufort, presented by Main Street Beaufort, is held on the first Saturday in May and features 20 local restaurants, fine wines and live music. Historic Beaufort Foundation's Fall Tour of Homes and St. Helena's Spring Tour of Homes provide glimpses into the beautiful antebellum homes on the Point and local plantations. Hunting Island is nearby and the state's most visited state park. For more information on all events and visiting the area, please contact the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.
[edit] The arts
Beaufort has been named by some sources as one of "America's Best Art Towns", including being ranked the #14 Small City Arts Destination by American Style Magazine in 2008 and one of America's top 100 art towns by author John Villani in his 2005 book "The 100 Best Art Towns in America: A Guide to Galleries, Museums, Festivals, Lodging and Dining" .[3] Close to 20 galleries operate within the City with hundreds of local residents contributing to the arts scene.
The University of South Carolina–Beaufort has a performing arts center which attracts regional and national acts to the community.
The Arts Council of Beaufort County[1], nurtures the arts via ARTworks, its 12,000 square foot community arts center, theater, and gallery in Beaufort Town Center (2127 Boundary Street, 29902) that also includes the studios of working artists, Coastal Art Supply, and spaces for worshops, classes, and conferences, as well as an afterschool program. The arts council promotes the arts with original theater productions, community arts grants, the Get Your Art Out emerging artist initiative, ArtNews, a print magazine, and the Detour for the Arts online calendar for arts events county-wide.
[edit] Sports and recreation
Through Beaufort County's Recreation Department, junior and intramural athletics are sponsored year-round. Activities include football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and cheerleading.
The local area provides excellent opportunities for golf, fishing, and kayaking.
In February 2008, Field and Stream Magazine rated Beaufort as one of the top 20 fishing towns in the United States in an article which factored in cost, attractions, distractions, seasons, and fishing action. Beaufort was also named as a "Top 50 Adventure Town" and the #7 Waterfront Adventure Town by National Geographic Adventure .[3]
[edit] Religion
The city is home to many Christian denominations, with several churches located in the downtown area and throughout the area. St. Helena's Episcopal Church in downtown Beaufort was founded in 1712. Beth Israel Synagogue is also in the downtown area, adjacent to the Beaufort Arsenal and Museum.
[edit] Economy
The location of the City to other fast growing areas including Hilton Head Island, and Bluffton as well as good access to Savannah, Georgia, the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport, and a future container port to be built on the Savannah River make the city a desirable choice for residential and business development opportunity.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 12,950 people, 4,598 households, and 3,034 families residing in the city. The population density was 695.7 people per square mile (268.7/km²). There were 5,080 housing units at an average density of 272.9/sq mi (105.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 69.41% White, 25.14% African American, 0.32% Native American, 1.07% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 1.98% from other races, and 1.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.39% of the population.
There were 4,598 households out of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.6% were married couples living together, 14.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.6% under the age of 18, 19.5% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 17.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 114.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 117.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $36,532, and the median income for a family was $42,894. Males had a median income of $22,465 versus $23,474 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,501. About 11.5% of families and 13.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.3% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.
Beaufort is the center of an urban cluster with a total population of 46,227 (2000 census), comprising the city and its surrounding towns and unincorporated areas including Port Royal, Burton, Lady's Island, Shell Point, Laurel Bay, and Parris Island, among others.
Beaufort is also part of the larger Hilton Head Island-Beaufort Micropolitan Statistical Area which includes Beaufort and Jasper counties and had a total population of 159,247 in 2005 (U.S. Census Bureau estimate). According to the more detailed data available in the 2000 census, the population included in this micropolitan area (which actually was designated after the census itself) was 64% urban and 36% rural. It included the urban clusters of Beaufort (2000 pop.: 46,227), Hilton Head Island (34,400), Bluffton (6,136), and Ridgeland (3,585).
[edit] Government
Beaufort is classified as a "city" according to the South Carolina Secretary of State. The city is governed by a five member city council under the council-manager form of government. The current mayor is Billy Keyserling (term ends 2012), who took over the position from George O'Kelley. O'Kelley had been interim mayor for the city when Bill Rauch resigned in July 2008 after allegations of insider trading surfaced,[5][6][7][8]. The other council members include Donnie Ann Beer (term ends 2010), Mike Sutton (term ends 2010), Gary Fordham (term ends 2012) and Mike McFee (term ends 2012). Council members serve on staggered four-year terms.
The City provides police, fire, sanitation, recycling, parks, events management, planning, zoning, building codes, and downtown parking as some of its services. The City has a web site at www.cityofbeaufort.org
In October 2007, voters approved a $15 million bond referendum that will allow the city to construct a new city hall and other municipal buildings at the intersection of Boundary Street and Ribaut Road.
[edit] Education
[edit] Schools
Public K–12 education is administered by the Beaufort County School District, which was established in the 1860s and legally completed desegregation in 1970. There are also several private schools located in the city and surrounding area. Schoolchildren in the city attend the following public and private schools:
| Elementary schools | Middle schools | High schools | Private/Charter schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaufort Elementary School | Beaufort Middle School | Battery Creek High School | Agape Christian Academy |
| Broad River Elementary School | Lady's Island Middle School | Beaufort High School | Beaufort Academy (Lady's Island) |
| Coosa Elementary School | Robert Smalls Middle School | Whale Branch High School (opening 2010) | Beaufort Christian School |
| Joseph Shanklin Elementary School | Whale Branch Middle School | St. Peter's Catholic School | |
| Lady's Island Elementary School | Eleanor Christensen Montessori School | ||
| Port Royal Elementary School | Thomas Heyward Academy (Jasper County) | ||
| Mossy Oaks Elementary School | Trinity Classical Academy | ||
| Shell Point Elementary School | Riverview Charter School | ||
| Whale Branch Elementary School |
[edit] Higher education
Three local institutions comprise the current extent of higher education in the Beaufort area. Both the University of South Carolina Beaufort Main Campus and the Technical College of the Lowcountry Beaufort Campus are located within the city limits. Clemson University also operates a university extension office in the city with ecological and agricultural programs.
[edit] Libraries and museums
Beaufort has close to 70 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, in addition to the entire historic downtown being listed as a historic district.
The Beaufort Arsenal and Museum serves as both the city's major museum and a point of interest in Beaufort's history. The Verdier House at 901 Bay Street is one of the oldest homes in the city and the only home open to the public that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Located in downtown, the Beaufort County Library serves residents of Beaufort and northern Beaufort County. Additional branches are found elsewhere in the county. The University of South Carolina Beaufort also has a campus library, located in the original Beaufort College building.
[edit] Infrastructure
[edit] Major roads
The following thoroughfares are important transportation links in Beaufort.
U.S. Highway 21, is the major connector through the city and the principal route to the Sea Islands. It is also known as Trask Parkway west of the SC 170 intersection, Boundary Street, and Ribaut Road. Originally going through downtown and across the Robert Woods Memorial Bridge, US 21 was rerouted to the south upon the completion of the taller and wider J.E. McTeer Bridge in the 1980s. Once rejoined with "Business 21" on Lady's Island the route is known as Sea Island Parkway and travels through Lady's Island, St. Helena Island, and Harbor Island before ending to become a county route on Hunting Island, which continues to the private Fripp Island community.
- Business U.S. Highway 21, also known locally as "Business 21" or more specifically as Boundary Street and Carteret Street is the major arterial through downtown Beaufort. Starting at the US 21 split, the route travels eastward along Boundary Street to the Bellamy Curve at the edge of the peninsula, then turns sharply towards the south along Carteret Street until reaching the Woods Memorial Bridge (drawbridge) over the Beaufort River. The route continues onto Ladys Island before rejoining US 21.
S.C. Highway 116, also known as Laurel Bay Road connects the Marine Corps Air Station with the military housing community at Laurel Bay, as well as other communities such as Laurel Bay and Habersham
S.C. Highway 170, also known as the Robert T. Smalls Parkway serves as the primary connection between Beaufort and southern Beaufort County, Jasper County, and Savannah.
S.C. Highway 280, also known as the Parris Island Gateway runs along the western fringes of the City Limits, connecting U.S. 21 with S.C. Highway 802, creating a western bypass of downtown Beaufort.
S.C. Highway 802, also known as Lady's Island Drive connects Lady's Island and the eastern Sea Islands with Port Royal, Parris Island, Shell Point, and points west. It provides an alternative reliever route so motorists can avoid downtown Beaufort. The route is co-signed with US Highway 21 over the McTeer Bridge.
Although not located within Beaufort's city limits, these routes provide vital access to the city and are major evacuation routes in the event of a hurricane.
U.S. Highway 17, runs along the northern portion of Beaufort County as Trask Parkway between Interstate 95 exit 33 and U.S. Highway 21. This is also the primary route used between Beaufort and Charleston, as well as Walterboro and Yemassee
Interstate 95 is the closest interstate highway to Beaufort and is located about 25 miles away. Beaufort can be easily accessed via exits 8, 33, 38, and 42, depending on the direction of approach.
Local public transportation and dial-a-ride service is provided by Palmetto Breeze, a regional transportation authority run by the Lowcountry Council of Governments, which serves as the regional Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). [2]
[edit] Other transportation
Other transportation facilities include the following:
- The Downtown Marina is Beaufort's nautical gateway to the Intracoastal Waterway and the surrounding Sea Islands. Additional marinas are located on Lady's Island and in Port Royal. Several boat landings exist in the city and in the surrounding areas.
- The Beaufort County Airport, located three miles east of downtown on Lady's Island provides general aviation services. The closest airports served by commercial carriers are found on Hilton Head Island, Charleston and Savannah.
- The Port Royal Railroad served Beaufort and surrounding locales with freight rail service until the closing of the South Carolina Port Authority terminal just south of the City in 2004. The rail at one time also had passenger service and was used by Marine Corps recruits to reach Parris Island. Currently closed between Yemassee and Port Royal, there are continuing discussions about the future of the rail line.
[edit] Utilities
Water and sewer services are provided by the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA), a regional utility agency.
City trash and recycling pickup are coordinated by the city and billed through BJWSA.
South Carolina Electric & Gas Company (SCE&G) provides electricity and power services to the city.
Hargray and Embarq provide telephone, digital, and cable television services to the city.
[edit] Notable residents & natives
Actors, authors, and entertainers
- Samuel Hopkins Adams, author
- Danni Ashe, adult entertainer
- Tom Berenger, actor
- Pat Conroy, author of numerous novels with several depicting communities resembling Beaufort
- Esther Dale, former actress
- Jazzy Jay, hip-hop disc jockey
- David Nolan, author of Fifty Feet in Paradise
- Jessica Verday, author
- Nik-Queezy, Rapper
Athletes
- Kevin Brooks, basketball, National Basketball Association and National Basketball League (Australia)
- Joe Frazier, boxer
- Joe Montford, football, Canadian Football League
- James Saxon, football player and coach, National Football League
- Greg Jones, (American football) Jacksonville Jaguars fullback
Politicians & leaders
- Robert Barnwell, former U.S. Congressman
- Robert Woodward Barnwell, former U.S. and Confederate Congressman
- Edward Junius Black, former U.S. Congressman (represented Georgia)
- William F. Colcock, former U.S. Congressman
- Charles Craven, former governor and founder of Beaufort
- William Elliot, former U.S. Congressman
- John Floyd, former U.S. Congressman (represented Georgia)
- Richard Howell Gleaves, former Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina
- William J. Grayson, former U.S. Congressman and poet
- Francis Lubbock, former governor of Texas
- Michael P. O'Connor, former U.S. Congressman
- Libby Pataki, wife of former Governor of New York George Pataki
- Clementa C. Pinckney, current state senator
- Robert Rhett, former U.S. Congressman and leading secessionist politician
- Robert Smalls, former slave and Civil War hero who became one of the first African-Americans elected to the U.S. Congress
- William Verity, Jr., former U.S. Secretary of Commerce
Others
- Richard W. Colcock, former president of The Citadel
- Donald Conroy, former colonel, USMC; also known as "The Great Santini" and father of Pat Conroy
- Stephen Elliot, former Episcopal bishop
- John Edwards Holbrook, former zoologist
- Leon Keyserling, economist and adviser to President Truman
- Anita Pollitzer, former photographer
- Anne Pressly, former news anchor whose murder in Arkansas attracted national attention
[edit] See also
- Beaufort Historic District
- History of Beaufort, South Carolina
- Battle of Beaufort
- Battle of Port Royal
- Treaty of Beaufort
[edit] References
- ^ a b "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. http://geonames.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ a b c d Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce Accolades
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2005-05-03. http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ Bluffton Today by Wehaa
- ^ The State | 07/22/2008 | Mayor quits amid controversy
- ^ Beaufort mayor quits after insider trading charge
- ^ Beaufort mayor charged with insider trading - Search - Charleston, SC
[edit] External links
- City of Beaufort
- Beaufort Gazette
- Arts Council of Beaufort County
- Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce & Visitor's Center
- Technical College of the Lowcountry
- Beaufort, South Carolina is at coordinates 32°25′55″N 80°41′22″W / 32.431853°N 80.689515°WCoordinates: 32°25′55″N 80°41′22″W / 32.431853°N 80.689515°W
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