Located in the heart of Beaufort, North Carolina’s third-oldest town, the Beaufort Historic Site offers a fascinating journey through time, where the charm of the 18th and 19th centuries comes alive amid a collection of meticulously restored buildings. Covering nearly two acres in the historic district, this coastal gem showcases nine unique structures, including the rustic Leffers Cottage from 1778 and the elegant John C. Manson House from 1825. Each building tells a story of the seaport’s vibrant past as a hub for patriots, privateers, and skilled craftsmen. Whether you’re strolling through the shaded Old Burying Ground or stepping inside the oldest wood-framed courthouse in the state, the Beaufort Historic Site invites visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural and architectural heritage of this charming village on the Crystal Coast.
The images below are clickable, allowing you to view more pictures and a YouTube video of each building. We also have a quick list view available in a table format if that is more your style. Happy adventuring!
Table of Contents
Apothecary Shop and Doctor’s Office
🏛️ The Apothecary Shop and Doctor’s Office was built in 1859.
📜 Offers a glimpse into 19th-century medical practices.
🏺 Houses a collection of medicinal and pharmaceutical artifacts.
⚙️ Many items are original to the shop, showcasing early medical tools and remedies.
🏢 The building includes a front apothecary section and a rear doctor’s office.
💼 Reflects the diverse roles of doctors as surgeons, dentists, and general practitioners during the time period.
Carteret County Courthouse of 1796
🕰️ It was established in 1796 and is the oldest wood-framed courthouse in the state.
🏛️ It originally served as the county’s third courthouse until 1834.
🏡 After that, it was repurposed as a private residence and later as a school and library.
🛠️ It was acquired in 1976 and underwent restoration from 1997 to 2001.
🎟️ Today, it functions as a museum that proudly displays a 13-star American flag.
👩⚖️ The museum hosts educational programs, including mock trials for schoolchildren, showcasing 18th-century judicial life.
Carteret County Jail
📍 The Carteret County Jail is also known as “The Old Jail.”
🏛️ It was built in 1829.
📏 The jail features robust 28-inch-thick walls that held prisoners until 1954.
⚰️ It is notable for a single hanging that occurred in 1874.
🚚 The jail was relocated to Turner Street in 1977 and restored by 2022.
🏰 It now serves as a captivating attraction with eerie cells and cozy jailer’s quarters.
📚 The jail showcases haunting stories and coastal Carolina heritage.
John C. Manson House
🕰️ It was built in 1825 by John C. Manson and Mary Leecraft Bell Manson.
🎭 The house features Federal-style architecture with Bahamian influences.
🔄 It was meticulously restored in 2001.
🖼️ The house now operates as a museum showcasing period furnishings and faux finishes.
📜 It offers insights into the lives of Beaufort’s prosperous residents.
⚓ This destination is ideal for history enthusiasts and fans of architectural beauty.
🌊 The Manson House is filled with stories of pirates, spies, and coastal heritage.
Josiah Bell House
🕰️ It was built around 1825 and is a beautifully restored Victorian home.
👪 The house was formerly the residence of the influential Bell family.
🕵️ Josiah Fisher Bell was a Confederate spy known for his daring exploits.
💣 He notably attempted to blow up the Cape Lookout lighthouse during the Civil War.
🏠 The rooms display a mix of Victorian and Art Nouveau design, featuring period furnishings.
📚 It is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys captivating stories.
Leffers Cottage
🏡 The cottage dates back to 1778.
👤 It was once the home of Samuel Leffers, who was a schoolmaster, merchant, surveyor, and court clerk.
🚚 The cottage was moved to the historic site in 1983.
🎨 Inside, it is filled with Colonial artifacts that showcase daily chores like spinning, sewing, and candle-making.
🌼 The Leffers Garden features plants that are maintained to reflect a typical 1800s colonial garden.
📚 This garden serves as both an educational resource and a peaceful place to immerse yourself in history.
⏳ The Leffers Cottage is perfect for history enthusiasts and curious visitors alike!