Nestled on the picturesque coast of North Carolina, the charming town of Beaufort holds within its streets, historic homes and old burial grounds, a rich tapestry of tales from the past. Beyond its beauty and serenity, Beaufort carries whispers of a more mysterious and thrilling history, one that beckons adventurous souls to embark on a ghost tour.
We met our haunted guide of the family friendly Beaufort Ghost Walk as dusk was beginning to settle. The local pirate from North Carolina named Richard Edwards joined us as we delved into the world of Beaufort’s ghostly inhabitants. We learned Pirate Edwards was a part of the final crew of the infamous pirate Blackbeard, who ran his ship aground in Beaufort Inlet in 1718. Richard Edwards was denied death and condemned to walk the paths of Beaufort. Having seen many lives, deaths and ghosts he now shares the captivating stories of its pirate-infested past as part of his penance.
Richard Edwards walks you through the historic district of Beaufort and sets the stage for encounters with the supernatural with tales of ghost ships, haunted houses with stolen pirate treasure, and ghosts of the Civil War. The salty breeze carries echoes of sailors’ chants and the creaking of old ships that fell victim to the Graveyard of the Atlantic.
As darkness starts to fall, the atmosphere in Beaufort takes on a different aura. Ghost tour participants are regaled with stories of Blackbeard’s curse, warning of dire consequences to those who dare to seek his hidden riches, said to be buried along the local shores. Each step is a journey through Beaufort’s 300-year history, a chance to relive the past and immerse oneself in the stories that shaped the town.
The Beaufort Ghost Walk would not be complete without a trip to the Old Burying Grounds. The town’s oldest cemetery was established in the 1700’s. If these weathered tombstones could talk you would be introduced to the spirits of the past. We don’t want to reveal too much about who and what is buried beneath the ancient oak trees, or about the spooky tales expertly told by our haunted pirate guide.
Next time you find yourself on the Crystal Coast, dare to venture beyond the surface, for Beaufort’s tales of pirates and ghosts await those who seek adventure and a brush with the supernatural. To learn more about Blackbeard and to get a glimpse of some artifacts out of his ship the Queen Anne’s Revenge, visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum on your way to the ghost tour.
