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Historic
Downtown Bluffton Map
The town of Bluffton, SC serves as the mainland to Hilton Head
Island and is situated on the "High Bluff" overlooking
the beautiful May River. In the early 1800's Bluffton was a
popular "summering getaway" for affluent Savannah
residents who maintained secondary homes. Throughout history,
activities in Bluffton have always included crabbing, shrimping,
boating, and swimming in the waters of the May, seasonal festivals,
farmers markets, community oyster roasts and the bustle of a
thriving old-town village center along the river.
Located in between Savannah on the south and Beaufort and Charleston
to the north, Bluffton is a part of the King's grant to Lord
Proprietor Colleton. Due to the central location of the town,
Bluffton was an important distribution center in the early years,
which resulted in a burgeoning growth of year-round residents.
The crops from the local farms and plantations were plentiful
and were exported along the river to places as far away as Europe.
The Federal tariffs of 1844 were making the imported goods extremely
expensive, thus angering the Bluffton planters and creating
an environment of discontent. These planters demonstrated their
dissatisfaction by gathering beneath what is now known as the
"Secession Oak", marking the beginning of the secessionist
movement. South Carolina became the first state to secede from
the Union just 16 years later. In 1863, Confederate troops were
outnumbered in a battle with over 1000 Union infantrymen and
the town suffered a severe and destructive blow.
The resiliency of Bluffton is steadfast and the town began to
regroup and continued to grow in the following years. Distinctive
antebellum homes and historic churches still stand as a testament
to the strength of the town and the loyalty of her residents.
Today, downtown Bluffton is a charming village boasting a collection
of whimsical shops and structures as unique as the residents
themselves. Bluffton has become a popular residential choice
for recent generations that work in the surrounding areas of
Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, or Savannah. People from all walks
of life are drawn to the call of the river and the relaxed lifestyle
as well as the charming aesthetic of the moss covered live oaks
and the eclectic shopping and dining selections. |
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| Bluffton
is rich with Lowcountry charm and cultural appeal that continues
to attract folks from all walks of life. Locals like to say
that Bluffton is a "state of mind" and this rings
truest in the uniqueness and diversity of the people who choose
to call this place home. |
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