Every locale has its own unique set of laws, customs, and traditions that often go unnoticed by the casual observer. In the heart of the Lowcountry, Beaufort County, South Carolina there are some unusual laws and kooky ordinances that still linger in the legal archives. In this exploration, we’re going to shed light on some of the surprising, lesser-known facts and idiosyncrasies of this community.
The Mystifying and Mischievous Side of Beaufort County Laws
Beaufort County harbors a few laws that, to modern sensibilities, might seem outright bizarre. Many of these ordinances harken back to bygone eras. Yet, they remain, quietly waiting to be invoked or for the unsuspecting to innocuously break them.
- Prohibited sales on Sundays include musical instruments, clocks, silverware and kitchenware.
- Keeping horses in bathtubs is forbidden, despite its unusual nature.
- A man cannot seduce a woman while promised to marry another as per the law.
- Playing pinball is restricted to individuals over 17 years old.
- Working on Sundays is illegal unless deemed necessary or for charity, with exceptions including specific types of sales and essential services like funeral homes and cemeteries.
- Dancing at a club must halt at midnight on Saturday night.
- It’s deemed illegal to remove a railroad from a town with more than 500 people.
The Mysterious Monkeys of Morgan Island
Off the coast of Beaufort, South Carolina lies Morgan Island, where nearly 4000 rhesus monkeys reside. Originally introduced as research animals in 1979, these monkeys now freely roam a natural habitat. They are owned and in the care of the National Institute of Health. Accessible only by boat, human visitors are strictly prohibited from landing on the island. For the best primate viewing experience, arrive early in the morning when they are most active and bustling with noise
The Jury Is In
In civil cases and at one time, criminal cases, the jury is/was selected in an atypical manner. All of the names of all the jurors will be in a container on the desk of the clerk of court. A child under the age of ten, a blind person or a court official draw 20 names from this container. The Plaintiff will then strike out four names and the Defendant will strike out four more names. This leaves the panel of twelve jurors to try the case.
The “sir” and “ma’am” Custom
Beaufortonians, as locals are called, have a reputation for their politeness and hospitality, which often includes addressing others with “sir” and “ma’am.” This custom, deeply embedded in the colloquial speech, is a matter of respect and emphasizes the Southern values of courtesy and deference. Visitors should take note and respond in kind, as a refusal to acknowledge this custom can sometimes be interpreted as rude.
Gullah Hoodoo Voodoo
- One of the most intriguing aspects of Gullah Geechee culture is the practice of a type of voodoo. This Hoodoo is a spiritual tradition with deep syncretic roots in African and Afro-Caribbean beliefs. Often misunderstood and shrouded in mystery, Hoodoo is not black magic and zombies. It is a complex system of beliefs and healing that continues to form their daily lives.
- Visitors to the South Carolina Sea Islands find the Gullahs’ doors and windows painted blue to ward off witches and evil.
- In Gullah Geechee communities of the Sea Islands in South Carolina, a tradition persists where babies and young children are passed over coffins to ward off the spirits of deceased parents from visiting them.
- Graveyard dirt from a non- ancestor’s grave is employed to either harm an enemy or for protection purposes.
- Bottle trees protect a homeowner from evil spirits.
While it’s impossible to cover all the customs and laws unique to Beaufort County in a single post, these insights are a great starting point for understanding what makes this locale so special. Remember, part of the joy of traveling lies in immersing oneself in the local customs, no matter how unusual they may seem at first.
