Conservation // 5 min Read

Then & Now: The Bluffton Historical Preservation Society Tells Bluffton’s Story

Written by Palmetto Bluff

May 10, 2016

On June 4, 1863, the quiet history of the sleepy planter’s town of Bluffton was forever divided into two chapters. As Union forces invaded the small Southern town, setting a torch to what had been a retreat for wealthy planters, Bluffton’s story was neatly segmented into what it was before the Civil War burning, and what it was after the burning.

It’s believed that Bluffton was targeted by such a vengeful military occupation not for any strategic purpose, but rather as retribution for a less literal fire set long before that. The secession movement, which saw South Carolina break ties with the United States of America, had its roots in anti-Union sentiment that had for years been called “The Bluffton Movement.”

The movement would eventually spark the Civil War, and bring the fire of Union forces down on Bluffton in dramatic fashion. Just 15 buildings survived that evening’s wrathful Northern incursion, 15 buildings that would dwindle to 10 as decay and neglect returned them to the earth. The fact that those 10 buildings are still remaining can almost entirely be attributed to the tireless efforts of the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society (BHPS).

In fact, the BHPS calls one of those historic 10 buildings home, making its headquarters in the beautiful Heyward House Historic Center. The structure bears the scars of Northern incursion in the form of a carved message from a New York soldier in one of its rooms, but otherwise escaped the torches unscathed. It has been lovingly restored by the society over the years and is now a must-see for history lovers visiting Bluffton.

It’s not just a beautiful place to hang a shingle; BHPS Director Jeff Fulgham considers the restoration of the Heyward House to be among the society’s greatest accomplishments. “There have been a number of great accomplishments by many individuals, but I would have to say that transforming an old house into a functioning museum was one of the biggest,” he said. “Past executive director, Robert Jones, Jr., accomplished this and a number of other things during his time as director.”

Fulgham, a military veteran and Bluffton native, joined the society as directory on April 1, 2015. “I always enjoyed exploring and learning, and when I joined the military and began deploying I became interested in world history,” he said. “When I realized I knew more about ancient Egypt than my own home town, I figured I needed to research and write about Bluffton.”[vc_single_image image=”6035″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1462891994144{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]That growing passion for Bluffton’s history led Fulgham to write The Bluffton Expedition, a meticulously researched and thoroughly engrossing account of that fateful June night in 1863. It also made him a perfect fit to serve as director of a society whose own mission was in a moment of evolution.

The Bluffton Historical Preservation Society begin in 1981, a year that in itself is slipping into ancient history. Bluffton native W. Hunter Saussy and a handful of like-minded locals realized that as the growth on nearby Hilton Head could potentially spill over into their little town, there was a need to catalogue what Bluffton was and what it had been before it was changed forever. The society’s mission was simpler in the beginning, as each member gathered their own small fragments of town history – family photos, newspaper clippings, etc., — and added them to what has become known as the Caldwell Archives, named after Ben and Betsy Caldwell. The couple had started this newer, less aggressive Bluffton movement by storing a wealth of historical documents in their home.

By 1988, the society’s mission had expanded. Realizing that the surviving buildings from the burning were slipping into decay, the group mobilized, placing historical markers on the 10 that remained. Shortly after, the society began purchasing as many of the properties as it could, turning the Heyward House into a museum as well as purchasing the ca. 1890 Colcock-Teel House.

And while the mission had expanded, that archive of Bluffton’s past first gathered in 1981 is still the society’s crown jewel. Moving forward, Fulgham wants to make sure those archives don’t go the way of those five houses that survived Union torches only to fall under the weight of time.

“We’re in the process of digitizing, inventorying, and safeguarding the archives. The importance of this project cannot be overemphasized,” he said. “We have original documents that exist nowhere else. When State Representative Bill Herbkersman heard of our efforts, he immediately sensed the magnitude of what we were doing and has since fought for state funding to support the BHPS mission. Preserving the archives literally translates into preservation of the BHPS. Without a central library and research center we would not really be a historical society.”

It’s a much different Bluffton than it was in 1981, and for the most part the original prediction that Bluffton might one day change forever has proven true. As Bluffton turns the page on its next chapter, Fulgham is making sure the society stays focused on its core principles.

“Bluffton is now a village of festivals, events, and social gatherings. This is not a bad thing for the BHPS, as long as we focus our efforts on our mission statement, which is to share Bluffton’s history with the public and to preserve it in the form of maintaining the Caldwell Archives and encouraging the preservation of historic buildings in the National Register District,” he said. “Successfully carrying out this mission takes a tremendous amount of time and effort and there are always distractions.”

But what sweet distractions they are. Whether it’s the Arts and Seafood Festival or just a Thursday Farmer’s Market, Bluffton’s many wonderful distractions always seem to rotate around the nucleus of its Old Town. And thanks to the diligent efforts of the BHPS, that Old Town presents a playground of authentic historical treasures, from the quiet grandeur of the Heyward House to the riverside majesty of Church of the Cross. It’s something that visitors have been quick to respond to.

“Not only do (visitors) share our appreciation for the town’s history, but, in many cases, their interest exceeds that of the locals,” said Fulgham. “I would like to encourage more locals to visit the Heyward House Historic Center and to come do research at the Caldwell Archives located at the Colcock-Teel House.”

Photos courtesy of the Bluffton Historical Society

Food & Wine / Fall Recipes From Buffalos

Your Pine-ness Cocktail Recipe Before delving into the ingredients and recipe for Buffalos’ delectable Ricotta Meatballs and Sauce, it is imperative that the chef has an excellent cocktail for cooking. Pairing the sweetness of pineapple with the woody flavo...

Sep 2023
palmetto bluff neighborhoods

Real Estate / Waterfront Neighborhoods in Palmetto Bluff

Coastal Palmetto Bluff Neighborhoods Palmetto Bluff, a private community nestled along the South Carolina coastline, presents a harmonious blend of luxurious living, recreational spaces, and a vibrant atmosphere. The meticulously designed Palmetto Bluff neigh...

Sep 2023
wilson landing

Waterways / Behind the Bluff with Marina Captain: Thomas Shanahan

Meet Captain Tom of Palmetto Bluff’s Wilson Landing  In the tranquil embrace of Bluffton's Lowcountry, where rivers wind their way through nature's masterpiece, an extraordinary tale unfolds at Wilson Landing of Palmetto Bluff. The story belongs to Captain Th...

Sep 2023
luxury kitchen design

Architecture & Design / Designing the Southern Kitchen of Your Dreams

Your Guide to a Luxury Kitchen Design The kitchen has long been the heart of the home, where cherished memories are cooked up and shared. When it comes to Lowcountry living, a well-designed kitchen is not just a place to prepare meals but a space that encapsu...

Sep 2023
summer bucket list

Culture / Summer Activities to Check Off Your List Before the Fall

10 Activities You Have to Cross Off Your Summer Bucket List While the days are long and the sun hangs high in the sky, summer offers a golden opportunity to create lasting memories and partake in a variety of thrilling activities. Before the cooler breeze of ...

Sep 2023

Conservation / Water Way

Palmetto Bluff is an ecological wonderland, with its maritime forest and tidal rivers, its salt marsh and abundant wildlife. But perhaps one of the most unique features of this wedge of Lowcountry is the impressive inland waterway that wends through the landsc...

Aug 2023

Artist in Residence / Places Around Palmetto Bluff to Paint Plein Air

Plein Air Painting and Our August Artist in Residence Palmetto Bluff is a paradise for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and serene atmosphere. With that being said, the Bluff is the perfect canvas f...

Aug 2023
coastal living

Waterways / Experience Health and Happiness By Living on the Coast

5 Health Benefits of Coastal Living Did you know that life by the coast is not only the most idyllic way to live, but it also improves your health? All in all, coastal living is a rejuvenating experience for the mind, body, and soul. From the cool, salty bree...

Aug 2023
south carolina lowcountry

Culture / 9 Enticing Facts About the Lowcountry

Discover the Charm of the South Carolina Lowcountry Where history and nature intertwine with effortless grace, the South Carolina Lowcountry is a region that allures visitors and residents alike with its timeless beauty, enchanting landscapes, and diverse cul...

Aug 2023

Conservation / Behind the Bluff with Palmetto Bluff Conservancy Educator: Aaron Palmieri

Aaron’s Journey to the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy   In the heart of the Lowcountry, where lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems flourish, lies a hidden gem known as Palmetto Bluff. This breathtaking sanctuary serves as a haven for an array of wildlife, offer...

Aug 2023
LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us