Did you know the Old Burying Ground, a little-known ancient ruin in Beaufort, North Carolina, is available by self-guided or guided tours? The guided tours depart from Beaufort Welcome Center at 130 Turner St. and a 24-hour notification is required by calling 252-728-5225. After you learn a little more about this fascinating burial ground and historic paradise, you will want to visit.
One of the nation's oldest cemeteries holds fascinating secrets about Beaufort’s history.
Nathaniel Taylor deeded the cemetery to the Town of Beaufort in 1731 following the first survey.
Providing a beautiful backdrop, St. John’s Parish of the Anglican Church was established in 1724, covering the
entire precinct area.
Vestry members included most of the first commissioners of
the town.
A stroll through this sacred place provides clues about one of North Carolina's oldest towns.
Characteristic of the times are vaulted graves bricked over to protect them from water and animals.
A walk through the overgrowth will bring you face-to-face with some interesting questions: What happened and who was she?
Another grave belongs to a child who sadly died at sea and was buried in a keg of rum.
The northwest corner and the oldest section of the cemetery was discovered by an archaeological survey in 1992, with many unmarked graves dating from the early 18th century.
The earliest graves are marked with brick, shell, or wooden slabs as stone was hard to come by.
This grave belongs to a British Officer who died on a ship in Beaufort harbor and was buried standing up "in rebel's ground."
And the great privateer Captain Otway Burns is buried with a captured cannon on his grave.
A map with corresponding numbers tells of some of the more interesting burials.
For more information about this little-known ancient ruin in Beaufort, North Carolina, visit the Beaufort Historic Site website.
And while you're in Beaufort, set sail on board a pirate ship.
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