WELCOME. . .

The International Association of Beauforts was established in 1995 when Beaufort-en-Vallee, France hosted the first reunion of Beauforts. The Beaufort, North Carolina organization seeks to promote international cooperation, understanding and development through a variety of dynamic exchanges with cities and towns with whom Beaufort maintains active sister city partnerships. By interpreting our way of life to people of other cultures, we gain a better understanding of our own community. This site provides information on our local organization as well as overviews of each of our sister-city Beauforts.

Beaufort, Western Cape, South Africa








More about the coat of arms and significance of sheep and ostrich...


In 1818 a town was established on the farm Hooyvlakte at the request of Lord Charles Somerset, then governor of the Cape. His aim was to establish and maintain law and order in the hinderland. He arranged for it to be named in honour of his father, the fifth Duke of Beaufort. more...