Bluffton in Beaufort County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Town of Bluffton, South Carolina
Bluffton is a beautiful Southern town that is the heart of the lowcountry.
Bluffton began in the early 1800's and was originally known as "Kirk's Bluff." It wasn't there until the early 1840's that the name of the town was changed to "Bluffton" after a compromise on the name was reached between the Kirk and Pope families.
Despite its peacefulness and beauty, Bluffton was also known as a hotbed of political activity. The first South Carolina secession movement, referred to as the "Bluffton Movement," is said to have begun on July 31, 1844 under what is now known as the "Secession" Oak tree. This tree is located on private property in the Old Town Bluffton Historic District near the May River.
The Town was burned by Union troops on June 4, 1863 during the Civil War. Although the destruction was severe, 10 homes and 2 churches survived. Those still standing are the core of the Bluffton Historic District which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The two surviving churches include Campbell Chapel AME Church, located nearby on Boundary Street and the Church of the Cross, located on Calhoun Street.
Erected by Town of Bluffton, South Carolina.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures
this page online
Location. 32° 14.067′ N, 80° 51.68′ W. Marker is in Bluffton, South Carolina, in Beaufort County. It is on Boundary Street north of Lawrence Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 67 Lawrence St, Bluffton SC 29910, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Lowcountry and on the Sea Islands. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Burning of Bluffton (here, next to this marker); Campbell Chapel A.M.E. (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bluffton United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Town of Bluffton, South Carolina (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bluffton (approx. 0.2 miles away); Church of the Cross (approx. Ό mile away); First Zion Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Cyrus Garvin / Cyrus Garvin House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bluffton.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
