Bluffton

What secrets does Bluffton, South Carolina, the “Heart of the Lowcountry,” hold? Bluffton isn’t just a picturesque town. It’s a time capsule nestled on a bluff overlooking the serene May River. Incorporated in 1852, Bluffton began as a small river town. Its very name comes from its location on a bluff above the May River. This river, the heart of Bluffton, drew plantation owners and their families in the early 1800s. They built summer homes on “The Bluff” to escape the stifling heat and unhealthy conditions of the low-lying plantations. The May River’s cool breezes offered much-needed relief. It also provided easy access to other waterways. The Calhoun Street Dock, once a bustling rest stop for boat travelers between Savannah, Beaufort, and Charleston, still stands today. Bluffton’s history is intertwined with rebellion. In 1844, under the shade of a massive oak tree, Robert Barnwell Rhett ignited the secessionist movement. This very tree, still standing in Bluffton, witnessed the birth of a movement that led South Carolina to secede from the Union in 1860. The Civil War left its mark on Bluffton. Two-thirds of the town was destroyed by fire during the Union’s Bluffton Expedition in 1863. Recovery was slow, but Bluffton persevered, its spirit unbroken. Today, the preserved historic district attracts tourists and earns accolades. Bluffton’s charm lies in its blend of past and present. The May River is still a source of life. Oystermen harvest May River oysters in the traditional way, using their hands, gloves, and small boats called bateaus. These oysters are then brought to the Bluffton Oyster Company. It is the last hand-shucking oyster factory in South Carolina. Bluffton has grown significantly over the decades. Its landmass has expanded from one square mile to 54 square miles, and its population has exploded. Yet, despite this growth, Bluffton retains its unique character. It honors its past while embracing its future, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Lowcountry.