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As the Lowcountry grew, plantation owners looked for new crops to thrive in this welcoming climate. The early 1800s saw the advent of agriculture to the rich island soil, and among the crops grown was Sea Island Long Staple Cotton, which flourished in the warm subtropical climate. Rice and indigo were also grown. These labor intensive crops allowed planters to prosper during the pre-Civil War time period; however, with the onset of the war, gracious homes and prolific crops were abandoned by the planters. Bluffton was settled by area planters from Hilton Head Island , Palmetto Bluff and the surrounding area in the early 1800s as a summer retreat. Literally a hot bed for political rhetoric, as early as 1844, cries of secession were first given voice and debate here.

During the Civil War Bluffton was evacuated except for a few Confederate pickets scattered around the area. In June of 1863, Bluffton was pillaged and then burned by a Union attack. Although the overall destruction was severe, fifteen homes and two churches survived, including the circa 1840 Cole-Heyward House. The striking blow was what was later seen as the largest naval engagement of the entire war, The Battle of Port Royal. continued to page 4