Old Burying Ground — Attraction in Beaufort

Perhaps an explanation is in order...I'm a huge history nut, with a particular interest: Cemeteries. The history you discover in cemeteries, churchyards, crypts, etc., is absolutely fascinating, and the Old Burying Ground is one of the best when looking back on old colonial life. The number of fascinating stories this place holds is staggering, from the privateer tomb to the nameless British soldier buried standing straight up at attention, to the heartbreaking story of the young girl who died at sea and had to be brought back to the colonies sealed in a keg of rum.

Do yourself a favor and try to arrange for a tour; the folks looking after this site will share all kinds of tales of the current...

Travelers, this is a must stop on you journey. It is an amazing place that tells so many American stories. I always go with a small toy and candy for the girl buried in a barrel. She is easy to find once you are there. She is just one of so many fascinating people who rest there. And they are packed in there too. Sometimes the dearly departed are in repose under the paths through the cemetery. The live oak trees are covered in Spanish moss and they shade the cemetery. It is very beautiful and reverent and engaging. The history of Beaufort told through the lives of the folks who lived there. We...

I am already a fan of old, historical graveyards, but the Old Burying Ground has some of the most interesting stories about the people buried there. I have never personally been on the tour they offer, but have heard a story or two in passing. The guides are energetic and do a terrific job in storytelling. A graveyard may sound like a creepy stop on your vacation, but the stories are romantically tragic, simply romantic, and a bit ironic. Google the girl in the barrel - read the story and check out the pictures of the grave site as just one of many...