Beaufort National Cemetery

Beaufort National Cemetery was established in 1863 for burial of Union troops who perished during the Civil War. Over one hundred Confederate soldiers are buried there as well. The site serves as the final resting place for over 20,000 veterans from every major American conflict.

Many notable veterans are buried at Beaufort National Cemetery including Lt. Col. Robert Gould Shaw and members of the 54^th Massachusetts Regiment. In 1987, souvenir hunters armed with metal detectors on Folly’s Island near Charleston discovered the remains of nineteen Union soldiers. It was determined that these soldiers belonged to the 55^th Massachusetts Regiment and the 1^st North Carolina Infantry. Both were African American units which fought shoulder to shoulder with the 54^th who had been missing in action since 1863. On Memorial Day, 1989 these soldiers were interred with full military honors in Section 16 of Beaufort National Cemetery. Members of the cast of the movie “Glory” being filmed nearby served as Honor Guard.

Beaufort National Cemetery is a testament to the price so many have paid for freedom. Majestic live oak trees are scattered throughout the manicured grounds. There are four monuments standing proudly in the cemetery providing an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. A stroll throughout the property infuses the soul with a sense of peace, pride and appreciation for the courage of conviction, selflessness and patriotism of all who are interred there.

Each December Wreaths Across America lay wreaths on the graves at Beaufort National Cemetery. Each fallen hero is honored and remembered by volunteers and supporters saying their name aloud as the wreath is laid.

The cemetery is located at 1601 Boundary St., Beaufort, SC. It is open to visitors daily from 8 A.M. until sunset. Apart from Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the cemetery is closed on federal holidays. An easy ride from Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, visiting Beaufort National Cemetery is time well spent appreciating those who paid the price for our freedom.