The Old Point in Beaufort in Beaufort County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Great Fire of 1907

Photographed By Bruce InCharlotte, March 17, 2023

1. Great Fire of 1907 Marker, Side One

Inscription.
(side 1)
This site was the starting point of the Great Fire of 1907, one of the worst disasters in the history of Beaufort. On Jan. 19, a fire started around 1:30 p.m. in F.W. Scheper's barn south of here and move into a large store at this corner. The fire moved west along Bay Street, while strong winds scattered embers over much of downtown. Flames spread up Carteret Street and to the northeast, burning buildings as far as 1/2 mi. away from this location. (Continued on other side) (side 2) (Continued from other side) Companies of black and white volunteer firemen struggled to extinguish the flames, which overpowered their equipment. By the time the fire subsided, at least forty buildings had been damaged or destroyed. The event prompted new local ordinances governing the materials and location of new buildings. Despite the destruction, the only death occurred when William Bennett, a member of the well-known African American Allen Brass Band was shot by a soldier on patrol.

Erected 2021 by Beaufort County Historical Society. (Marker Number 7-68.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is January 19, 1907.

Location. 32° 25.832′

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N, 80° 40.188′ W. Marker is in Beaufort, South Carolina, in Beaufort County. It is in The Old Point. Marker is at the intersection of Carter Street and Bay Street, on the left when traveling south on Carter Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 600 Bay St, Beaufort SC 29902, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Brigadier General Stephen Elliott CSA (a few steps from this marker); The Wallace House (within shouting distance of this marker); Christensen-Fordham Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sam Levin Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Capt. Francis Saltus House (about 400 feet away); Beaufort South Carolina Tricentennial (about 400 feet away); Verdier House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beaufort.

Great Fire of 1907 Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bruce InCharlotte, March 17, 2023

2. Great Fire of 1907 Marker, Side Two

Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2023, by Bruce InCharlotte of Charlotte, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 135 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 3, 2023, by Bruce InCharlotte of Charlotte, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.

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