The Cobbler's Cottage, Beaufort

The Cobbler's Cottage, a charming historic residence dating back to around 1870, is nestled within the Beaufort Historic District, a United States National Historic Landmark.

Beaufort, SC, received its charter in 1711, and its city layout was meticulously planned to take advantage of the favorable southern breezes from the Beaufort River. Homes were strategically constructed facing south along the river bluff, a design known as Beaufort Style Architecture. This architectural approach, often characterized by stately T-shaped homes, was designed to maximize the capture of the refreshing river breezes.

While Beaufort's history is marked by the grandeur of plantation-style mansions, the Cobbler's Cottage stands as a unique representation of the common working class that played a crucial role in servicing the needs of the affluent Planters in the area known as "The Old Commons."

The cottage earned its name, the Cobbler's Cottage, due to the presence of a cobbler's shop on the property, located in front of the cottage, which operated for several decades, from 1899 to as late as 1958. This historical connection to a skilled tradesperson highlights the role that common working-class individuals played in supporting the local community and the Planters.