South Carolina Genealogy Genealogy, history, and research resources for the Palmetto State

Beaufort County Genealogy

  • Formed 1769
  • Parent district Original judicial district
  • County seat Beaufort
  • Neighbors Colleton, Hampton, Jasper

In-depth topics

Beaufort County was formed in 1769 (Original judicial district). The county seat is Beaufort. Neighboring counties include Colleton, Hampton, Jasper.

Use the research panels below for modern starting points—government contacts, census, vital records, cemeteries—and read the legacy narrative for local history notes and older link collections (some updated).

Beaufort County was formed in 1769 and was the first district formed in South Carolina. Beaufort, the county seat is the second oldest city in the state founded in 1710. French explorers established a fort here in 1562, Spanish explorers did likewise in 1566. Neither of these settlements survived. Beaufort County was named for the Duke of Beaufort, Henry Somerset, who was one of the Lords Proprietors of the original Carolina Colony. The district was formed from the older parishes of St. Luke, St. Peter, St. Helena and Prince William. In 1878 a large area was used to form Hampton County.

The town of Beaufort is the second oldest in the State of South Carolina. Rice and cotton plantations were the primary income for the area leading up to the Civil War. The first school for freed slaves was formed here during the Civil War. Beaufort County is also home of the Marine training base at Parris Island and the popular resort island of Hilton Head. The boxer Joe Frazier was from Beaufort County, SC.

Beaufort County SCGenweb site

Bluffton Historical Preservation Society
P.O. Box 742
Bluffton, SC 29910
Beaufort County Genealogical Society
P.O. Box 5492
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Beaufort County Courthouse
P.O. Drawer 1228
County Courthouse
Beaufort, SC 29901

Census

Cemeteries

USGS listing of cemeteries of Beaufort County

Query Forums

Cities and towns of Beaufort County:

  • Beaufort (County Seat)
  • Bluffton
  • Burton
  • Hilton Head Island
  • Laurel Bay
  • Parris Island
  • Port Royal
  • Shell Point
  • Yemassee

News related to Beaufort County, SC

History notes

Beaufort County's documentary trail follows South Carolina's district-to-county evolution. When searching before county formation, check parent districts and neighboring counties for deeds, estates, and tax lists.

Research starting points

Census

Federal census schedules (and some state/colonial substitutes) are foundational for Beaufort County household reconstruction. Start with every decade the family should appear, then correlate with land and probate.

Vital records

South Carolina statewide vital registration is comparatively late. For many Beaufort County families you will rely on a mix of county probate, church registers, Bible records, newspapers, and delayed birth certificates—not only a single “vital records office” file.

Cemeteries

Cemetery surveys for Beaufort County appear in published books, Find a Grave, USGenWeb archives, and local historical society vertical files. Always note whether a reading is complete or partial.

Courthouse & contacts

Beaufort County Courthouse
Beaufort, South Carolina
https://www.beaufortcountysc.gov/