Hilton Head Living

Bluffton is known as one of the fastest-growing municipalities in South Carolina — more than 146% growth in the past decade. But it wasn’t always this way. Here is a brief overview of its history to provide some perspective.

Stephen Steese has served as manager of the Town of Bluffton since June. Steese, who previously served as Easley’s city manager, has more than 18 years of experience in local government.

Lisa Sulka was elected mayor of the Town of Bluffton in 2008. She is on the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton’s Advisory Board and is Honorary Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Heritage Classic Foundation. Sulka answers questions from Monthly about upcoming projects in the town and her favorite spots in Bluffton to relax. The responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Bluffton is booming. The town has grown from one square mile when it was first incorporated to 54 square miles today. The town’s development exploded, bringing business and families to the Lowcountry — and it gave Bluffton its own identity.

The growth continues and makes Bluffton one of the prime destinations in the South.

1. LOWCOUNTRY CELEBRATION PARK: An attraction for all ages, the park includes walking trails, a boardwalk and The Sandbox Children’s Museum. A main attraction is the large, reimagined Adventure Playground Ship.

There’s no question there was significant human activity BY EDWARD THOMAS on Hilton Head Island during the pre-recorded history of North America 4,000 or more years ago. The mysterious shell rings from that era, preserved today in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Green Shell Park off Squire Pope Road, are testament to that fact.

When Captain William Hilton arrived in 1663, this 12-mile-long coastal island was occupied by a native tribe called Escamacu. They were part of the Cusabo Confederacy of Tribes that inhabited land up and down the nearby coastline.

Marc Orlando has served as manager of the Town of Hilton Head since February. Orlando, who previously served as Bluffton’s town manager, oversees about 250 employees.  

John McCann has been mayor of the Town of Hilton Head since 2018. He is past president of Port Royal Plantation and past chair of the Technical College of the Lowcountry Foundation. McCann answers questions from Monthly about the U.S. 278 Corridor Project and his favorite spot of relaxation on Hilton Head Island. The responses have been edited for length and clarity.

ENJOY THE WONDER OF ALL THAT OUR AREA OFFERS

The Lowcountry is teeming with natural beauty, adventures, history, shopping and fantastic weather. A relaxed pace offers peace of mind and
a wonder of possibilities. Simply, it’s a great place to live. Hilton Head, Bluffton, fast-growing Hardeeville and Daufuskie Island represent thriving communities that offer award-winning beaches, dinning and accommodations. Why the Lowcountry? Why not? Our area offers almost everything and continues to treat us with new wonders.