News Release

National Park Service announces Beaufort National Historic Landmark District Study

John Mark Verdier House Museum.

Photo courtesy: K. Campbell, project manager; Preservation South

News Release Date: November 17, 2021

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ATLANTA — The National Park Service (NPS) today announced the launch of a comprehensive study to aid in the long-term preservation of one of South Carolina’s national treasures located in the state’s second oldest town, Beaufort.

The Beaufort National Historic Landmark (NHL) District Integrity and Condition Study — set to begin early December — will document the district’s current integrity and condition and examine projects and trends that may impact ongoing preservation efforts. A cornerstone of the NHL Program is monitoring the condition of NHLs to identify those that exhibit damage or face threats to the integrity of their resources. The data generated from the Beaufort NHL study will enable the NPS, stewards, policy makers, civic planners and the public to better understand the district and take appropriate action, where necessary.

“The Beaufort National Historic Landmark District is significant for its antebellum history and architecture, as well as its role in the Civil War and Reconstruction,” said Cynthia Walton, regional acting chief, cultural resources, partnerships and science. “The NPS study will document the integrity of the district and highlight the districts accomplishments, challenges and opportunities for ongoing preservation. As stewards of the NHL, the local community is central to the process and we are pleased to partner with the City of Beaufort to ensure the project’s success as a guidepost for those involved in preserving Beaufort’s historic character and integrity.”

The NPS has commissioned LG2 Environmental Solutions, Inc. to conduct the study, documenting, in narrative and graphic formats, major changes that occurred within and adjacent to the district since its designation in 1973. The effort – expected to run through 2022 – involves research, a field survey, photographic documentation, Geographic Information Systems analysis and public engagement. The initial round of public meetings is planned for January and a draft study is expected to be made available for review next summer.

Designated by the Secretary of the Interior in 1973, the Beaufort NHL District reflects three centuries of history. Having architecture different than Savannah and Charleston, Beaufort has preserved a number of distinctive “low-country” houses from the 18th and early 19th centuries. Several buildings, foundations, and other character-defining elements of the district are built of tabby, an important regional building material.

For more information about the Beaufort NHL District Integrity and Condition Study, visit the planning website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/beaufort.  

www.nps.gov

About the National Historic Landmarks Program. The National Historic Landmarks Program works with preservation officials, private property owners and other partners to provide states and local communities with technical assistance, recognition and funding to help preserve our nation's shared history and create close-to-home recreation opportunities.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 423 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.