The DUNCAN HOUSE circa 1817

This old gabled roof Bahamian-style home, with its unique position on the west end of Front Street facing Taylor’s Creek and Beaufort Inlet to the south and Gallant’s Channel and Piver’s Island to the west, has had a front-row seat to centuries of Beaufort history. From the upper porch owners at the time could view of the shelling at Ft. Macon during the Civil War.

The Duncan House was the first house to be plaqued. In 1962 Elizabeth Merwin designed the plaque. John Costlow, local preservation enthusiast, painted and hung it. The plaque was dated 1790, then changed a few years ago to 1728. More research has revealed the building date as circa 1817 and built by James Davis.