Beaufort - South Carolina

Beaufort’s 304-acre National Historic Landmark District boasts a rich and diverse collection of historic architecture. While noted for the elegant landmarks of its wealthy plantation past, Beaufort also possesses significant buildings that reflect the continuum of its rich history and the cultural and economic diversity of its population. The water that surrounds three sides of the city provides a principal character-defining element of the district as do its moss-draped oaks, palmettos, crepe myrtle and other native plant life.

Buildings in the National Landmark District exhibit many classic styles of American architecture, from Colonial to Modern. Still, stylistic influences are often mixed. As Beaufort’s prosperity rose and fell, new buildings were erected and older ones remodeled. Hence, architectural character changes from neighborhood to neighborhood and, often, from block to block. The result is a rich architectural tapestry dominated by a number of antebellum mansions set among smaller scale 19th and early 20th century structures. Beaufort’s earliest and grandest buildings are generally located on “The Point” and along “The Bluff” as shown by the masterful photography of Friedhelm Dohmann.

"Friedhelm Dohmann's photographs of historic Beaufort homes are presented in a brilliant fashion. Mr Dohmann brings old world elegance and style to this work."

Wally McNamee, former newsweek MagaZe staff photographer