Beaufort has a great many historical churches as well as modern houses of worship, approximately 21, covering a wide spectrum of religious beliefs. Many of the old historic churches were used during the Civil War as hospitals, often using the huge gravestones as tables for operating on wounded Union soldiers. The markers have been returned to their original sites and the churches remain to this date as standing monuments of Beaufort's deep ties to religion. Most of these old churches are still in use.

One of the best known churches in the Beaufort area is the ruins of the Prince Williams Parish Church, now known as the Old Sheldon Ruins. Originally built in the 1700's, it was destroyed two times, once by the British General Augustine Prevost in the Revolutionary War, and again by General Sherman in the Civil War. Although it was never rebuilt, it is still used for Easter services. The original cemetery still remains, with dates and names as old as America. It is a very popular photography spot. The grounds are covered with massive moss laden oaks

The Sheldon Ruins was the first attempt at Greek Revival architecture in America

The St. Helena's Episcopal Church,
built in 1724, was used by the Union
as a hospital during the Civil War.
Buried under the dome vault is Colonel John Barnwell, better known as the famous Indian fighter "Tuscarora Jack".
He was the founder of Beaufort Town.

The Beaufort Baptist Church
was built in 1844 and was used
during the Civil War as a Union Army Hospital. This church is an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture and has a beautiful cemetery on the church grounds.

The First African Baptist Church
was built in 1865, and was given to the newly freed slaves in the Beaufort area.

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