Beaufort County is hosting a (virtual) Grand Opening celebration for Fort Frederick Heritage Preserve Friday, February 12 at 10 a.m., and will be re-aired at 8 p.m. on The County Channel.     

Beaufort County Councilwoman Alice Howard, Town of Port Royal Mayor Joe DeVito, and SC DNR Archaeologist Sean Taylor will provide remarks, immediately followed by the ribbon cutting and tour.

The Fort Frederick Heritage Preserve, located at 601 Old Fort Road, Port Royal (map), is 6-acres of mixed hardwood forest, maritime forest, and salt marshes on the Beaufort River in Port Royal Sound.

Beaufort County owns half of the property, which includes the public access point, parking areas, and picnic pavilion. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources owns the other half of the property, which includes the historic tabby fort ruins.

Passive recreation and historic amenities include public access with a permeable surface road and parking areas, a picnic pavilion, and the historic tabby ruins of Fort Frederick.

Visitors to the Fort Frederick Heritage Preserve can learn about Beaufort County's history by reading the interpretive panels on display near the tabby ruins. The forested habitat also provides a wonderful opportunity for viewing spring and fall migrating birds and enjoying the scenic views of the Beaufort River. The picnic pavilion has 9 picnic tables available on a first-come-first-serve basis for family gatherings.

The Preserve is open to the public Monday through Sunday from dawn to dusk by an automatic timed gate.

For a complete list of County, Passive Parks click here.

For more information about the Passive Parks Program, please call 843-255-2152.