Walking Tour at Beaufort National Cemetery Exploring Civil War African American Military Service

On May 20, 2023 at 10 am, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park will conduct a ranger-guided walking tour highlighting aspects of African American armed service during the Civil War and Reconstruction Era. This free tour will last approximately one hour and will start at the entrance to Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902.

Beaufort National Cemetery is one of the nation’s oldest national cemeteries – a year older than Arlington National Cemetery. President Lincoln approved the purchase of the land for use as a national cemetery February 1863. By that time, Black men were already in active military service in region, most notably the 1st South Carolina Volunteers who were formally organized at Camp Saxton. Buried in Beaufort National Cemetery are some of these first Black soldiers to take up arms under the flag of the United States during the Civil War, and this walking tour will explore the history and legacy of these groundbreaking Americans.

This tour is offered by Reconstruction Era National Historical Park with the support of the staff of Beaufort National Cemetery. Tour participants are reminded to adhere to all national cemetery regulations, including prohibitions on pets. Please plan for the weather appropriately – water bottles are strongly encouraged. However, please plan to pack out your own trash.