Bluffton in Beaufort County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Town of Bluffton, South Carolina
The Bluffton community has an authentic historic district, celebrates the May River and respects the Bluffton character.
Once a summer retreat for wealthy planters, Bluffton has truly come into its own as a well-established community that has built upon its storied past. Originally comprised of one square mile and incorporated in 1852, Bluffton was designated a National Register Historic District in 1996.
In the area commonly referred to as the Old Town Bluffton Historic District, the site selection and building styles were largely influenced by the desire of area plantation owners seeking relief from the heat of Lowcountry summers. Shaded lots on high ground, subject to cool river breezes, were highly desirable. Simple housing designs emphasized elements like capboard siding, brick pier foundations, and porches, which served not only to temper buildings against sun exposure and gather breezes, but also provide an important social function as outdoor living spaces.
The Town of Bluffton's Old Town Master Plan serves as a guiding document for future growth and preservation of the Old Town Bluffton Historic District. It sets forth principles to protect the Bluffton Historic District and to help maintain the character and quality of life that the community offers today.
The
this page online
Erected by Town of Bluffton, South Carolina.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.
Location. 32° 14.243′ N, 80° 51.65′ W. Marker is in Bluffton, South Carolina, in Beaufort County. It is on May River Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1323 May River Rd, 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: Bluffton (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Campbell Chapel A.M.E. (about 600 feet away); The Burning of Bluffton (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Town of Bluffton, South Carolina (approx. 0.2 miles away); Michael C. Riley Schools (approx. Ό mile away); Bluffton United Methodist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Zion Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Church of the Cross (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 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
