Beaufort Historic Site facts for kids
The Beaufort Historic Site is a special place in the heart of Beaufort, North Carolina. It's like a time machine that takes you back to the 1700s and 1800s. Here, you can explore nine old buildings that show what life was like along the North Carolina coast long ago.
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Exploring the Beaufort Historic Site
This amazing site helps us understand history. It's operated by the Beaufort Historical Association. They work hard to keep these old buildings safe and teach visitors about the past. The site covers two acres, which is about the size of one and a half football fields!
Step Inside History: The Old Houses
Imagine walking through homes where people lived hundreds of years ago. The Beaufort Historic Site has several unique buildings. Each one tells a different story about the people who lived and worked there.
The Josiah Bell House: A Spy's Home?
One of the most interesting homes is the Josiah Bell House. It belonged to a man named Josiah Fisher Bell. During the American Civil War, he was known as a spy for the Confederacy. This was quite unusual because many people in Beaufort supported the Union side. It shows how complicated times were back then!
Other Historic Buildings to Discover
Besides the Josiah Bell House, there are other cool buildings to explore:
- Leffers Cottage, built around 1778. This was the home of Samuel Leffers.
- Carteret County Courthouse, built around 1796. It's the oldest courthouse in North Carolina made of wood. Imagine all the important decisions made here!
- John C. Manson House, built around 1825. This house gives us a peek into family life in the early 1800s.
- The Old Jail, built around 1829. This building was used as a jail for a very long time, all the way until 1954! You can see what it was like inside.
- The Apothecary Shop and Doctor's Office, built around 1859. This is where people would go to get medicine and see the doctor. It shows how healthcare was different back then.
The Old Burying Ground: Resting Place of History
The Beaufort Historical Association also looks after the nearby Old Burying Ground. This is a historic cemetery where many people who lived in old Beaufort are buried. What's really special about this cemetery is that it was one of the few places where both Union and Confederate religious leaders held services. This shows a spirit of respect, even during a time of great division.
