Community members gather for the grand opening of the Bluffton Welcome Center.
Bluffton is set to celebrate the grand opening of its new Welcome Center at the historic Squire Pope Carriage House. Scheduled for February 3rd, the event invites everyone to explore the town’s history and culture through engaging exhibits. The Welcome Center not only highlights Bluffton’s rich past but also marks the completion of the larger Wright Family Park project, which emphasizes preserving natural beauty and community spirit. Join the festivities filled with gospel music and refreshments.
The beautiful town of Bluffton is buzzing with excitement as it gears up for the grand opening of its brand new Welcome Center at the historic Squire Pope Carriage House. Mark your calendars for Monday, February 3, because at 4 p.m. folks will gather for a delightful ribbon-cutting ceremony that is sure to be a joyful occasion for community members and visitors alike.
This celebration isn’t just for the locals—everyone is invited! It’s a perfect opportunity for residents and tourists to come together and discover what makes Bluffton such a gem in South Carolina.
The Welcome Center spans about 540 square feet, and it’s designed to be a vibrant introduction to everything Bluffton has to offer. Inside, guests can explore videos, exhibits, maps, and various displays that highlight the town’s rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural resources. This isn’t a stuffy museum; rather, it’s an engaging starting point for anyone looking to explore the community.
The carriage house itself is steeped in history. Constructed around 1850, it is one of the scant remaining antebellum structures in Bluffton and has withstood the test of time, even surviving the Burning of Bluffton during the Civil War in 1863. The building is not just an eye-catching feature but is also a significant historical site, being officially recognized as part of the National Register of Historic Places since 1996.
In recent years, the town made substantial efforts to preserve this historic gem. The stabilization and rehabilitation of the Squire Pope Carriage House cost a whopping $2.5 million, all aimed at maintaining its structural and historical integrity. The property was originally acquired by the Town of Bluffton and Beaufort County back in 2017 for $1.5 million through the Rural and Critical Lands Program.
The Welcome Center is part of a larger vision for Bluffton. Situated within Wright Family Park, which overlooks the scenic May River, it not only enriches the town’s history but also serves as a bridge for future developments. Wright Family Park opened its doors in December 2020, creating a much-loved space that provides public access to the river—an essential aspect of Bluffton’s natural beauty. The park has numerous features, including open lawns, shaded seating, a boardwalk, and a dock.
The completion of the Welcome Center represents the crowning achievement of the Wright Family Park project, aligning seamlessly with Bluffton’s Old Town Master Plan, which puts a strong emphasis on green spaces and waterfront access. Historic landscaping elements, such as Camellia bushes and a treasured 50-year-old Hickory Tree, have been carefully preserved to honor the park’s legacy.
The grand opening festivities promise to be lively and enjoyable, with local gospel music and light refreshments to follow the ribbon-cutting ceremony. It’s an event that encourages community spirit and provides a chance for everyone to connect over the shared history and beauty of Bluffton.
So, whether you’re a resident or a first-time visitor, make sure to swing by the new Welcome Center to immerse yourself in everything Bluffton has to offer. Located at 111 Calhoun Street, right near the Calhoun Street Public Dock and across from the historic Church of the Cross, it’s set to be a fantastic place to kick off your Bluffton adventure!
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