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
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.
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 South Carolina Department of Archives and History; sponsored 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′ N, 80° 40.188′ W. Marker is in Beaufort,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Lowcountry and on the Sea Islands. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
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 Roberts Building (about 300 feet away); The Capt. Francis Saltus House (about 400 feet away); Lafayette's Tour (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beaufort.
Another marker is no longer nearby. First Fort (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Bruce InCharlotte, March 17, 2023
2. Great Fire of 1907 Marker, Side Two
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2023, by Bruce InCharlotte of Charlotte, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 757 times since then and 69 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.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide shot of marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
