The Point, Beaufort

Over the years, The Point has preserved its charm and beauty, showcasing some of the South's most stunning homes and serving as a gateway to Beaufort’s majestic antebellum past. Once known as Black’s Point, this historic neighborhood in downtown Beaufort was considered outside city limits for many years, despite its early commercial and residential development. A few homes from those days still stand, including the Thomas Hepworth House (circa 1717) and the William Johnson House (circa 1776), both splendid examples of The Point’s early architecture.

At the start of the Revolutionary War, James Black owned a successful shipyard on The Point, distinct from smaller, mobile operations by journeymen and carpenters. He acquired most of his land from Thomas Middleton and ran the only stable shipyard in the area, producing ships like the Ashley Cooper and Georgetown. The shipyard was likely located near Pinckney, Federal, and Hamilton streets, with the Beaufort River to the south. The preferred material for shipbuilding was the durable Lowcountry Live Oak, and the South Carolina Lowcountry was a key supplier of ships for international trade.

Black's death during the war in 1770 led to a decline in shipbuilding in the area. At the time of his death, he owned most of The Point, with his land and shipyard likely along a tidal creek. After his passing, his property was divided among heirs, leading to development. By the early 1800s, The Point saw the construction of several notable houses. Recognizing the growth, Beaufort's mayor requested to extend the city limits to include The Point, which was approved by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1809.

The Point became popular among plantation owners from nearby islands who built homes for the social season to escape the summer heat. During the Civil War, it hosted several Union hospitals, including one for African Americans.