Town of Bluffton Opens Welcome Center at Squire Pope Carriage House
The Town of Bluffton will officially open its new Welcome Center at the historic Squire Pope Carriage House on Monday, February 3, with a ribbon cutting celebration at 4 p.m. All are welcome and invited to attend.
The 540-square-foot Welcome Center is designed to provide visitors and residents with an introduction to Bluffton. It features videos, exhibits, maps, and displays highlighting the town’s history, culture, and natural resources. While it offers a broad overview of Bluffton’s offerings, the Welcome Center is not a museum but rather a starting point for exploring the community.
About the Squire Pope Carriage House
Built around 1850, the Squire Pope Carriage House is one of Bluffton’s few remaining antebellum structures and a significant part of its history. It survived the Union Army’s 1863 Burning of Bluffton and is listed as a contributing structure in the Bluffton Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
The $2.5 million stabilization and rehabilitation of the house preserved its structural and historical integrity. The property, acquired jointly by the town and Beaufort County through the Rural and Critical Lands Program in 2017, was purchased from the Wright Family for $1.5 million. This project ensures the Squire Pope Carriage House remains a bridge from Bluffton’s history to a town amenity for years to come.
Wright Family Park
The Squire Pope Carriage House is located within Wright Family Park, on the bluff overlooking the May River. The park, which opened in December 2020, provides public access to the river and complements the nearby Oyster Factory Park. These two parks are the only venues which provide public access to the May River, Bluffton’s crown jewel. This project aligns with Bluffton’s Old Town Master Plan, which prioritizes green spaces and public waterfront access to enhance quality of life.
Wright Family Park features open lawns, shaded seating, a boardwalk, and a dock. Historic landscaping, including heritage camellia bushes and a 50-year-old hickory tree cherished by Mary Morris Wright, has been preserved to honor the property’s legacy. The park is a spectacular space for the community, connecting residents and visitors to the May River.
Completing the Vision
The Welcome Center is the final phase of the Wright Family Park project. It provides a central place for visitors to learn about Bluffton’s offerings and plan their day trips or vacations. By combining public access to natural beauty with a focus on historical preservation, this project reflects Bluffton’s dedication to its past and its future.
Make plans to visit the Welcome Center and discover how Bluffton’s past, present, and future intersect at this historic home at the end of Calhoun Street.
