Bluffton: Cultural History and the May River

Bluffton can be explored through two distinct focal points: the cultural history of Old Town and activities around the May River. Old Town is designated a Cultural District by the state and is listed as a Historic District on the National Register. Historic buildings, guided tours, events, and waterside experiences offer different starting points for planning your stay.

Historic Places and Their History

The Heyward House Museum was built in 1841 by enslaved West Africans. It is one of only eight antebellum homes to have survived the American Civil War; antebellum refers to the period before the war. The Historic Campbell Chapel AME was originally built by enslaved people in 1853. At both buildings, the construction history and the identities of their builders are part of understanding the historic heritage.

The present-day Church of the Cross building was consecrated in 1854; the church has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975. The Garvin-Garvey House was built around 1870 by Cyrus Garvin (Garvey). These dates offer a point of reference for individual structures, ranging from the Heyward House in 1841 to the Garvin-Garvey House around 1870.

Walking Tours and Guided Visits

Guided walking tours are offered through the Old Town Bluffton Historic District and to its historic buildings. Daily tours are offered of the Heyward House and its grounds. Free guided tours at the Church of the Cross take place Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The offerings therefore differ both in the places visited and in their schedules. Check tour times before your visit so your plans reflect the latest visitor information.

The Town of Bluffton Welcome Center is located in the Squire Pope Carriage House in Wright Family Park. The park provides public access to waterfront areas. This gives you two different points of reference for your stay: visitor information and public access to the water.

May River, Water Activities, and Trails

The May River offers opportunities in Bluffton for fishing, crabbing, and shrimping. Eco-tours on the river travel through tidal creeks and the Lowcountry’s marshlands. Bluffton also offers fishing charters, dolphin-watching cruises, kayak tours, and stand-up paddleboard tours. These activities offer different ways to experience the waterscape; operators and availability may vary. Check the latest details before booking.

The New River Trail is a 5.2-mile section of the East Coast Greenway and passes through scenic, historic terrain. It differs from the water-based activities: its stated length describes the trail section, while the eco-tours focus on tidal creeks and marshlands. This lets you choose between a walking route and guided water experiences when making your plans.

Seafood and Events

The annual Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival lasts one week and takes place in the historic district. It celebrates locally harvested seafood and Lowcountry cuisine. Event dates and programs may change, so check both before your trip.

The Bluffton Oyster Company is also part of the local oyster industry: it is the last remaining oyster house in South Carolina where oysters are hand-shucked. This describes the house’s hand-shucking process; it does not mean that the company itself harvests the oysters. Together with the festival, it shows that seafood plays a role in Bluffton not only as part of Lowcountry cuisine, but also as part of the local economy.

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