Bluffton, South Carolina may be known today for its art galleries, festivals, and coastal charm. But underneath the oyster shells and Spanish moss lies a story worth studying — a small Southern town where the past still lingers in the streets, architecture, and heartbeat of the community.
A Town Built on a Bluff
Bluffton began in the early 1800s as a summertime refuge for wealthy Lowcountry plantation families looking to escape the fevered rice fields and tidal flats. Its high river bluff offered breezes and better health — and gave the town its name. By 1852, Bluffton became an official municipality and soon gained a reputation as a hotbed of political passion.
In fact, the town helped spark the early embers of secession with the 1844 “Bluffton Movement” — a fierce protest against federal tariffs that some historians credit as one of the philosophical steppingstones to the Civil War.
Bluffton During the Civil War
In 1863, Union troops launched the Bluffton Expedition, burning nearly two-thirds of the town in retaliation for Confederate raids. What survived is celebrated today with reverence and grit. Only about 15 homes and two churches remained standing — forever changing the fabric of the community.
Many of those original structures still exist, bullet holes and all. Rather than rebuilding in haste, Bluffton allowed its scars to stay visible. As a result, today’s history lovers can walk through time just by taking a stroll down Calhoun Street or along the riverfront.
Must-See Landmarks for History Lovers
Heyward House Museum & Welcome Center (1841)
Built by enslaved craftsmen, this preserved Carolina farmhouse serves as the gateway to Bluffton’s past. It also features the last remaining slave cabin in town — a poignant reminder of pre-Civil War life.
Huger-Gordon House (c.1795)
The oldest home in Bluffton and one of the few spared during the 1863 burning. Its doors reportedly still show scars from Union rifle fire.
Church of the Cross (1857)
A remarkable Carpenter Gothic church overlooking the river — one of the only churches in the region to survive wartime destruction.
Rose Hill Plantation House (1858)
Located just outside Bluffton, this ornate Gothic Revival mansion allegedly escaped burning because Union soldiers declared it “too beautiful to burn.”
Old Town Bluffton Historic District
Established in 1996 as a National Register Historic District, this square-mile area includes more than 45 historic buildings from the 19th and early 20th century — making it one of the most walkable time capsules in the South.
Why History Buffs Fall in Love with Bluffton
Authenticity: Unlike towns that recreated themselves post-war, Bluffton preserved the imperfect, real-world texture of its past.
Walkable Discovery: You can explore nearly every major historic site on foot, weaving in and out of present-day restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.
Layered Stories: From Native American lands and European settlement to Civil War firestorms and Gullah-Geechee culture, Bluffton’s timeline is rich and varied.
Civic Pride in Preservation: As a designated Preserve America Community, Bluffton remains fiercely dedicated to restoring and protecting its historic character.
Whether you’re a Civil War enthusiast, architecture lover, or casual traveler who just enjoys soaking up old stories, Bluffton is a destination that brings the past to life.
