Topsail Marine Memorial Park has been identified and designated as site of Remembrance for the “Middle Passage” in Beaufort. It is a documented Middle Passage arrival site.

The “Middle Passage” refers to a route used in the trafficking of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. According to research done by the committee, Beaufort was a port-of-call in the trans-Atlantic trafficking of slaves from Africa to the Americas and the trans-American trafficking of slaves from one location in the Americas to another.

Many Africans died enroute to the Americas due to overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and malnourishment during the voyage. Historical documents show the remains of at least 50 captives on one vessel were tossed into the water at the Beaufort port, which is now the location of Topsail Park.

The park is also home to the Menhaden Melody public art donated by the Beaufort Garden Club in 2022.

Topsail Marine Park is on Taylor’s Creek situated next to Front Street Grill at the end of Orange Street.

Fishing is permitted. Overnight docking is not permitted but the dock is available for day visits for boaters.

Photo Credit: Betsy Cartier Photography