Historic Fort Frederick in Port Royal will be opening to the public as a passive park this weekend, combining two of our greatest assets, rich history and the natural beauty of the area.
Closed to the public for decades, Beaufort County has issued a release stating that crews have been working to create passive recreation and historic amenities including public access with a permeable surface road and parking areas, a picnic pavilion and the historic tabby ruins of Fort Frederick.
Visitors to the Fort Frederick Heritage Preserve can learn about Beaufort history by reading the interpretive panels on display near the tabby ruins. The forested habitat also provides a wonderful opportunity for viewing spring and fall migrating birds and enjoying the scenic views of the Beaufort River. The picnic pavilion has 9 picnic tables available on a first-come first-serve basis for family gatherings.
Construction of a boardwalk and additional amenities will also soon be coming to the British fort that was built in 1734.
Beaufort County is hosting a (virtual) Grand Opening celebration for Fort Frederick Heritage Preserve Friday, February…
Posted by Beaufort County Government SC on Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Beaufort County is hosting a (virtual) Grand Opening celebration for Fort Frederick Heritage Preserve Friday, February 12 at 10 a.m., and will be live-streamed on The County Channel.
Beaufort County Councilwoman Alice Howard, Town of Port Royal Mayor Joe DeVito and SCDNR Archaeologist Sean Taylor will provide remarks, immediately followed by the ribbon cutting and tour.
“The park combines two of our greatest assets, rich history and the natural beauty of this area,” said town councilman Kevin Phillips. “Now the residents will be able to continue experiencing both. I’m very grateful for everyone that has worked on this project.”
The Fort Frederick Heritage Preserve, located at 601 Old Fort Road, Port Royal (map), is 6-acres of mixed hardwood forest, maritime forest and salt marshes on the Beaufort River in Port Royal Sound.
Beaufort County owns half of the property, which includes the public access point, parking areas and picnic pavilion. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources owns the other half of the property, which includes the historic tabby fort ruins.
The new park at Fort Frederick is open to the public Monday through Sunday from dawn to dusk by an automatic timed gate.
For a complete list of County Passive Parks, visit this link.
