          |
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 Historic port town of Beaufort, NC. A town unharmed by progress, retaining the charm of its early days with 18th century homes of pirates the likes of Blackbeard, sea captains, shippers and merchants still standing, gleaming white, on the Waterfront and along the live oak shaded streets. A town rich in history and folklore that invites all to come for a peaceful day in the past. A wonderful place for a wedding.
Pirates! Ghosts! Haunted houses! From Beaufort’s inception, the area has been notoriously populated by swarthy pirates, mainly seeking safe haven within the protective banks. After taking to the seas for pillaging ships, robbing houses, and other unmentionable misdeeds, they would slip into the surrounding creeks and coves, set up camps, and even hide their prized booty. In the late 1600’s, pirates would tie lanterns to the necks of horses and herd them across the barrier islands, luring distant ships into the coves to run aground. Edward Teach (known to most as Blackbeard) frequented Beaufort – legend tells us that he would stay in Hammock House, which still stands today. His treasures were said to be buried on neighboring Ocracoke Island, and what is believed to be his ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, was discovered in 1996 just south of Beaufort.
|
|
|
The Old Burying Ground, located on Anne Street and attached to the Anne Street Methodist Church, is a veritable treasure trove of local history. Predating the Revolutionary War, this cemetery’s oldest markers date back to the 1750’s, and it is unclear how many unmarked plots may be even older. The local Historic Society has taken the time to place numbered crests on plots of especial poignancy that represent the town’s past. Arresting tales of a British officer buried standing upright, an infant girl buried in a rum keg, and the common plot for the sailors aboard the Chrissie Wright are among those featured in this timeless place. Many locals take particular heed of this place and many others, as tales of ghosts are told to this day.
