On February 3, 2025, the Town of Bluffton held the Grand Opening of its Welcome Center.
The Squire Pope Carriage House, built in 1850, is a historic landmark in Bluffton, South Carolina. Nestled at the back of a deep lot overlooking the scenic May River, this two-story frame structure has stood the test of time. This historic gem survived the 1863 “Burning of Bluffton” during the Civil War. In 2017 the Town purchased the property for $1.5 million with Beaufort County and its Rural & Critical Land Preservation Program. To address structural issues and preserve its legacy, the Bluffton Town Council approved renovation efforts in November 2019.
History of the house:
Originally, the house functioned as the carriage house and outbuildings for Squire William Pope’s summer residence. Pope, a prominent landowner from Hilton Head Island and the owner of the Coggins Point Plantation, also served in the South Carolina Senate and represented St. Luke’s Parish in the House of Representatives.
The main house was lost during the Burning of Bluffton, but after the Civil War, the Pope family returned and adapted the surviving buildings into their home. The structure, which features a single-room depth and porches facing the May River, remains an enduring piece of Bluffton’s rich history.
This rehabilitation project also marks the final phase of development for Wright Family Park, which has been open since December 2020. It’s the Town’s second park and a fantastic space offering public access to waterfront areas.
Visit the Squire Pope Carriage House at 111 Calhoun St. and experience a piece of history brought to life!
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squire_Pope_Carriage_House#:~:text=The%20Squire%20Pope%20Carriage%20House,%2D60530%2D375%2D8%20., https://www.townofbluffton.sc.gov.
