The Burning of Bluffton, also known as the Bluffton Expedition, was a Civil War operation in which Union forces destroyed much of Bluffton, South Carolina.
Background
Following the Union’s victory at the Battle of Port Royal on November 7, 1861, Confederate Brigadier General Thomas F. Drayton ordered the evacuation of Hilton Head Island to Bluffton on the mainland. Bluffton, strategically located on the May River (a tributary of the Calibogue Sound), became a critical point for Confederate intelligence. From this vantage, Confederate lookouts could monitor the Union’s South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, which was conducting vital blockade operations along the southern coastline.
The Expedition
On June 3, 1863, Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont instructed Lieutenant Commander George Bacon to lead an expedition against Bluffton aboard the gunboat Commodore McDonough. By June 4, Union forces under Colonel Barton, transported by the gunboat Mayflower and an army transport ship, landed in Bluffton. They quickly took control of the town after Confederate forces retreated.
Under Colonel Barton’s orders, most of Bluffton was destroyed by fire, although the church was spared. Confederate troops attempted several counterattacks but were repelled by Union forces and the firepower of the Commodore McDonough, which provided shell and shrapnel support. Approximately two-thirds of its 60 structures were destroyed. Afterwards, the Union troops reembarked without suffering any casualties and returned to Hilton Head.
Detailed reports of the “Expedition against Bluffton” were filed by Rear Admiral Du Pont and Lieutenant Commander Bacon. They documented the destruction and the operation’s success. On June 12, the New York Times also reported on the event, stating that “desolation, ruin and desecration have been left behind.”
Legacy
The Bluffton Expedition had a significant impact on the town and its residents. Many homes were destroyed, leaving families without shelter or belongings. The destruction of the town also had economic consequences. Bluffton was an important center for trade and commerce in the region.
In addition to physical damage, the operation also had a psychological impact on both Union and Confederate forces. For Union soldiers, their success in destroying Bluffton gave them a sense of accomplishment and boosted morale. Meanwhile, Confederate troops were demoralized by the loss of their strategic position and the devastation of a town that held significance to them.
Today, Bluffton has been rebuilt and is a thriving community with a rich history.
The Bluffton Historical Preservation Society works to preserve and educate about the town’s past, including the events of the Bluffton Expedition. The operation serves as a reminder of the destruction and devastation caused by war. It highlights the resilience and strength of communities in the face of adversity. Overall, the Burning of Bluffton remains an important event in Civil War history. So, next time you visit Bluffton, take a moment to remember this significant moment in history.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org.
