#20 - The DAVID RUMLEY HOUSE  circa 1843 - Beaufort, NC

This quaint, typical 1800’s cottage was moved from Shackleford Banks in 1943. The porch boasts round porch rails and chamfered posts. The wealth of original woodwork, beams, and hardware, found during restoration, creates strong suspicion that the house is much older than the date indicated.







 

 This “porch” is the entrance to one of the ten most architecturally perfect buildings in North Carolina. Built by shipbuilders, this Gothic Revival structure still retains most of the original features which contribute to its uniqueness. Large exposed scissor trusses actually make the interior resemble an upside-down ark. The beautiful stained glass windows memorialize significant members who have been part of its history.



 

#22 - The ANN WADE HOUSE  circa 1831 - Beaufort, NC

The original part of this charming early Beaufort cottage was what was known as a “story and a jump.”  It consisted of the entrance hall, a front room, and an attic.  It is a wonderful example of how many Beaufort homes have weathered change, while maintaining their historical integrity.

This home indeed has an interesting history.  For its first hundred years, mostly women owned it.  When, where, and by whom it was built remains an on-going puzzle.

Although plaqued as being built in 1831, continued research on this home seems to point to its actually being much older.  Certain features, such as the freestanding fireplace, the side-hall entrance, and seven-foot ceilings are common with houses built prior to 1780.  The attic, with no ridgepole, and hand-hewn, pegged joists, appears to have been built about the same time as the 1796 courthouse.

#23 - The WARD-HANCOCK HOUSE  circa 1726 - Beaufort, NC

Richard Rustull, Sr. was born in 1669 to William and Ann Austin Rustull, who, according to Beaufort historian Mamré Wilson, had settled in Bath County in the early 1700’s.  Richard married Margaret Bell, the daughter of John and Margaret Blish Bell.  In 1720 Rustull purchased 780 acres from Robert Turner for 150 pounds.  This acreage extended from North River to the Newport River and included land that would eventually become Beaufort. When Beaufort was still in its infancy, Rustull built a house for his family that, through succeeding generations, would become known locally as the Ward-Hancock. 

Rustull played an important role in the development of Beaufort.  He increased the size of the town from its original 100 acres to 200 acres.  He hired a surveyor to lay out the streets, helped established a church to be known as St. John’s Parish, gave land to be used for the courthouse, and served as Justice of the Peace and Customs officer.  One of his numerous responsibilities was collector of the King’s taxes.  In 1725 he sold much of his land holdings to Nathaniel Taylor for 500 pounds.

Read more about The Ward-Hancock House next to the image below.

Throughout its long history, this property and specifically the house, has been owned by other local families, including Bells, Stantons, Hunts, Ricks, Davises, and Costlows.

While Rustull’s contributions are relegated to the archives of history, the house itself gives us tangible evidence of this early period in Beaufort’s development.  Although bought by Jack Ricks and moved from its original location on Town Creek, to save it from destruction in the 1940’s, today it remains close to its original state. 

As the earliest example of an 18^th century gambrel-roof house in eastern North Carolina, the Ward-Hancock House has become a museum of early construction.  Left in a partially “open” state, it is possible to see its hand-hewn beams, joist, unusual woven lath, windows, doors and random-width flooring.  It also provides instructional text and examples of building practices, ironwork, plastering, and those hand tools necessary to construct such a dwelling in the days before electricity. 

#25 - WATSON HALL  - St. Paul’s School circa 1905 - Beaufort, NC

This restored building was originally a part of St. Paul’s School on Ann Street in Beaufort, North Carolina. St. Paul’s School, whose cornerstone was laid in 1900, ceased operation in 1937 following the death of its founder/head mistress, Mrs. Nannie P. Geffroy. In the mid-1940’s when some of the school buildings were demolished, this building and two other buildings were moved to nearby locations and converted to private residences.

This residence was purchased for historic restoration in 2000. The changes were begun by moving the home forward on the existing lot, rebuilding the interior with a new two-story addition at the rear of the home.

 

#26 - “VIEW FROM MY PORCH”

This privately-owned beach home on the Carolina shore has escaped years of hurricanes, including Hugo, and provided retreat, renewal, and reflection to the owner.





 

#27 - "AFTERNOON AT THE BOATSHOP"

The North Carolina Maritime Museum’s Watercraft Center sits on Taylor’s Creek in Beaufort, across from the Museum’s main location. The Watercraft Center’s gallery offers a unique opportunity to observe the art of boatbuilding. The facility also provides numerous year-round hands-on educational classes and workshops for all ages. This painting was done especially for the silent auction portion of the Friends of the Maritime Museum's annual "Boatshop Bash" fundraiser.





 

#28 - MORTON HOUSE WINDOW

This charming "window" wall hanging adds a unique touch to the east side of a Beaufort Queen Anne cottage. Its moveable shutters and potted seasonal flowers overlook owner/artist Al Goellner's "Sycamore Studio."

#29 - OLD FORT MACON (BEFORE RESTORATION)  circa 1826
Fort Macon State Park - Atlantic Beach , NC

Fort Macon, named for state senator Nathaniel Macon, was built to guard the deep-water port of Beaufort Inlet. Using brick made in the area, and masons from Beaufort and other parts of the country, the US Army Corps of Engineers took eight years to build it, from 1826 to 1834. During the Civil War it was used by Union troops as a coaling station for navy ships. After being used as a Federal prison from 1867-1876, it was garrisoned again in 1898 for the Spanish-American War. It was abandoned in 1903. In 1924 a Congressional Act enabled it to be sold to the state for $1.00. It was restored in 1934-1935, and opened in 1936 as North Carolina's first functioning state park. It was garrisoned for the last time during World War II.
 

#30 - FORT MACON  circa 1826
Fort Macon State Park - Atlantic Beach, NC
“VIEW OF CASEMATE 8”

This view, looking under one of the three fort stairways, shows one of the many vaulted rooms which surround the inner court. The windows, doors, and shutters of these Casemates have been duplicated exactly from copies of the fort's original plans. Fort Macon, named for state senator Nathaniel Macon, was built to guard the deep-water port of Beaufort Inlet. Using brick made in the area, and masons from Beaufort and other parts of the country, the US Army Corps of Engineers took eight years to build it, from 1826 to 1834. During the Civil War it was used by Union troops as a coaling station for navy ships. After being used as a Federal prison from 1867-1876, it was garrisoned again in 1898 for the Spanish-American War. It was abandoned in 1903. In 1924 a Congressional Act enabled it to be sold to the state for $1.00. It was restored in 1934-1935, and opened in 1936 as North Carolina's first functioning state park. It was garrisoned for the last time during World War II.
 

#31 - FORT MACON  circa 1826
Fort Macon State Park - Atlantic Beach, NC
“LOOKING THROUGH THE GRILLWORK”

This view of Ft. Macon is from the top of one of the three stairways which lead down to the inner court or Parade Ground. This ornate trim has been duplicated exactly from copies of the fort's original plans. Fort Macon, named for state senator Nathaniel Macon, was built to guard the deep-water port of Beaufort Inlet. Using brick made in the area, and masons from Beaufort and other parts of the country, the US Army Corps of Engineers took eight years to build it, from 1826 to 1834. During the Civil War it was used by Union troops as a coaling station for navy ships. After being used as a Federal prison from 1867-1876, it was garrisoned again in 1898 for the Spanish-American War. It was abandoned in 1903. In 1924 a Congressional Act enabled it to be sold to the state for $1.00. It was restored in 1934-1935, and opened in 1936 as North Carolina's first functioning state park. It was garrisoned for the last time during World War II.

#32 - The JOHN IRELAND HOUSE  circa 1887 - Beaufort, NC

Built in 1887 by a mariner from Portsmouth, NC, the John Ireland House was turned and moved a short distance in 1904.

The blue hydrangea in front of the porch was once treasured by Mary Murphy, who occupied the house for 35 years.


 

#33 - The JAMES DAVIS HOUSE  circa 1829 - Beaufort, NC

According to research by Beaufort’s Mamré Wilson, James Davis was born in 1780.  He was the eldest son of Joseph Wicker Davis and Susanna Stanton Davis.  His wife Elizabeth was born in 1783 to Nathan and Mary Adams, farmers in Core Creek.  James and Elizabeth were married in 1803 and had 12 children, many of whom were born in the 1817 house that James built on Anne Street.  James and Elizabeth both lived past 80 and are buried in the Old Quaker Cemetery.  They passed on their good genes—many of their children also lived beyond the life expectancy of the time. 

In 1829 James Davis built this salt-box style home for his family.  It remains unique in Beaufort with its center chimney, five fireplaces, and full basement, which Davis used as his workshop.  During his lifetime James Davis built at least 22 homes in Beaufort’s historic district.  James was an excellent carpenter and often referred to himself as an “arch-chi-tect.”

 #34 - The JOHN WOLFE HOUSE  circa 1895 - Beaufort, NC

In 1812 this lot was purchased by Patrick Ward for 30 shillings.  The lot was sold in 1891, by the Ward and Hancock heirs, to John Forlaw for $100, who in turn sold it to John M. Wolfe. 

The home remained in the Wolfe family until late 1990.



 

#35 - The JOHN H. NELSON HOUSE  circa 1790 - Beaufort, NC

This West Indies style home has been part of the Beaufort waterfront view for over 200 years. It still contains many of the original features including heart pine floors, doors, pegged beams, and an interior stairway door
which was locked at night for protection and to retain heat.

This home is thought to have been built by James Davis.  It is named for John Hancock Nelson who purchased it in 1875 for $2000.

 

#36 - The NELSON COTTAGE  circa 1990 - Beaufort, NC

This charming cottage sits behind the John Hancock Nelson House.