From the 1770 "Plan of the Town & Port of Beaufort" by French surveyor and cartographer Claude Joseph Sauthier

Purpose of Updating Beaufort History

   Although the facts of history don't change, our knowledge and understanding of the facts do change over time. History doesn't become certain until documented by primary sources, such as deeds or documents created at the time of study. 
     Researchers and historians build on the work of others before them, working to confirm or refute commonly held beliefs. When more accurate information is found and documented, it is the responsibility of the historian to make the information known, and to endeavor to correct previous errors in interpretation.    
     As with many historic towns, Beaufort is full of intriguing and beguiling stories about its past, many of which are true, but some of which are a matter of supposition, misinterpretation, folklore, and even fabrication.