Conservation // 2 min Read

Palmetto Bluff Preserved: Cataloging Artifacts Found at the Bluff

Written by Palmetto Bluff

History is the fabric of our community, and with the help of our on-site archaeologists, Dr. Mary Socci and Katie Epps, we’re expanding what we know about those who came before us.

And as you can expect, with over 20,000 acres, this research takes time. Through the efforts of the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, Dr. Socci and her team have spent the past several years finding and recording the area’s historical and cultural sites. To date, we have uncovered more than 13,000 years of history—with the oldest artifact dating back to 10,000 B.C.

As we continue to uncover details of our past, we remain dedicated to learning and preserving the rich history that surrounds Palmetto Bluff and the surrounding Lowcountry. Most recently, Dr. Socci and Katie have been cataloging some of the artifacts found at the Bluff—revealing details about Palmetto Bluff’s previous occupants.

Creamware Plate
This creamware plate was found at one of the plantation sites at Palmetto Bluff. This is a common find at these sites. This pattern dates to 1762-1820. It was mended by our intern, Zoe Klauck.

Bone, Glass, Shell, Metal, and Ceramic Buttons Found on a Plantation
Buttons made of bone, glass, shell, metal, and ceramic found at a plantation site. (Losing buttons off one’s clothing has been a problem for generations!)

Tabacco Pipe Stems
These tobacco pipe stems made of kaolin clay date back to the 18th and 19th century. While no tobacco was grown at Palmetto Bluff, from the number of fragments of pipes found at historic sites here, it’s clear that smoking was very popular.

Glass Bottles
These bottles were painstakingly pieced together by Zoe, our intern.

Oyster Grab Tool
Sometimes artifacts require special treatment to preserve them. This is half of a tool known as an “oyster grab” that was used for harvesting oysters in the late 19th century. It is undergoing electrolysis, a process that removes rust and helps to conserve the metal.

Club Life
5 Reasons for the Season: Why We Love Fall in the Lowcountry

The golden glow of the marshes, the crisp air, and the sense of calm after a busy summer season all make this time of year unforgettable. Whether you’re enjoying the Bluff or exploring the wider coastal region, here are 5 reasons why fall is when the Lowcountr...

Oct 2025

Conservation
Watching Birds, Supporting Science: FeederWatch at Palmetto Bluff

Here in the Lowcountry, the Conservancy brings FeederWatch to life with guided sessions at the Conservancy’s bird feeders. Education and Outreach Manager Aaron Palmieri leads these gatherings, teaching attendees how to identify wintering species, choose the ri...

Sep 2025

Culture
Chef Beth’s Lowcountry 7 Layer Dip with Pimento Cheese

Ingredients 2 cups cooked sea island red peas, crushed with a fork 1 recipe of pimiento cheese dip (recipe below), room temperature 2 cups crème fraiche 1 cup fire-roasted bell peppers, sliced into strips 1.5 cups grilled corn, husked an...

Sep 2025

Real Estate
The Benefits Of Buying A Newly-Built Home In Palmetto Bluff

At Palmetto Bluff, newly built homes are more than residences—they are carefully crafted retreats offering the best of Lowcountry living. Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Co. Agent, Amanda Cutrer, shares the benefits of buying “new” in the Bluff. Builder Support ...

Sep 2025

Conservation
Lowcountry Canvas

Visionary land planner Mark Permar reflects on Palmetto Bluff's rich history and its enduring connection to the land. With Anson on the horizon, the legacy of designing with nature lives on.How did you first get involved with Palmetto Bluff?  I believe it was ...

Sep 2025

Architecture & Design
Palmetto Bluff Homes with Guest Homes and Casitas

Explore Available Listings with Room For the Whole Family At Palmetto Bluff, life moves at the pace of the tides; slow enough to savor, yet rich with moments worth sharing. And when it comes to welcoming the people you love most, the right home makes all the ...

Aug 2025
2025 bluffton real estate

Real Estate
Real Estate Sales Report: Palmetto Bluff’s 2025 Midyear Update

Real Estate in Bluffton, SC: Trends, Updates, and Insights The first half of 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable for Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Company, with sales volume, transaction count, and market share setting a strong pace for the year ahead. As ...

Aug 2025

Architecture & Design
Your Complete Guide to Lowcountry Landscaping

Enhancing Coastal Living With Lowcountry Landscaping Trends The Lowcountry lies along the southeastern coast of the United States, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique culture. From the charming streets of Charleston to the...

Aug 2025

Conservation
Loyalties Divided

By Katie Epps, Palmetto Bluff Archaeologist Standing on the bluff that rises above the May River, gaze across the vast expanse of marsh and sky. This is a landscape virtually untouched by time. Imagine this vista in the eighteenth century, in the throes ...

Aug 2025

Club Life
Back to School at the Bluff

The school year has officially begun, and the sound of school buses can be heard throughout the Lowcountry. As is true for much of South Carolina, Bluffton and the surrounding areas have experienced exceptional growth over the past 10 years, and so have the op...

Aug 2025

CURIOUS ABOUT LIFE AT THE BLUFF?

Sign up for our newsletter

LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us