Historic Beaufort Foundation fall festival set for Oct. 16-18

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WTOC) - Beaufort’s role and architecture during the Civil War and the era of Reconstruction will highlight the Historic Beaufort Foundation’s annual Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens scheduled for Oct. 16-18.

The three-day event will feature rare tours of historic private homes and gardens in the National Historic Landmark District, focusing on how these structures were occupied and repurposed during the war.

Featured sites include the McKee-Smalls House, once owned by civil rights pioneer and U.S. Congressman Robert Smalls, and Frogmore Manor on St. Helena Island, once owned by Penn School founders Laura Towne and Ellen Murray. Historians and educators will also hold discussions on local history during the weekend.