One of the hurdles large developers must jump is the state-mandated archaeological survey that takes place before any land disturbance begins. The process typically goes unheralded, save for the occasional discovery of a cemetery, Indian shell ring or some other cultural feature that deserves protection. Colleton River Plantation went through the process, and the results would have been unspectacular were it not for the special efforts of a few residents. I am indebted to Kris Mak for providing the details of the Colleton River Plantation History Project.

About three years ago, Clint Clark, the club president, saw the need to preserve the history of the plantation's environs. Bert Einloth and Kris signed on to do some research -- joined by Jim Grove, Maxine Melcher and Paula Williams -- and the History Project was under way. The trail led early to the barn at Honey Horn Plantation on Hilton Head Island, where the Coastal Discovery Museum was storing about 190 boxes of "stuff" from the earlier archaeological survey. The group took possession of the boxes and, with the help of George Stubbs and others, began to sift through their contents. These artifacts give a glimpse into human activity in our area hundreds, even thousands, of years ago.

The pre-historic and early Native American pottery, arrowheads and stone tools in the boxes reflected the presence of the first settlers of the Lowcountry. The Cram family added to the trove two Revolutionary War era cannonballs -- found in the river bed -- which add credence to the theory that the British plundered the property in 1779. The presence of slave pottery, wrought-iron nails and more "modern" tools brings this visual history into the 19th century. And Confederate buttons and buckles remind us the Lowcountry was indeed in the midst of the struggle. (Folks with the History Project hope to have the artifacts on permanent display in the Dye Clubhouse by summer 2009)

Kris, along with her husband, Ken Mak, took on another project as well, a book called "Colleton River: Then and Now," a copy of which has been graciously donated to the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society.

The book is largely a photographic history of Colleton River Plantation. But its early pages give a fine, if brief, introduction to the history of the land, from pre-historic settlers to Spanish explorations to English colonization and early agricultural ventures. The Cram family provided photographs that bring to life a large part of the 20th century on Foot Point Plantation, which was part of Colleton River Plantation. Older Blufftonians will recall the deer hunts hosted there by Harry Cram, which began with a fine breakfast and a gracious supply of Bloody Marys that rendered some of the guests a minimal threat to the deer. And we're reminded of the thwarted attempts by Chicago Bridge and Iron -- later BASF and then Porter (Boat Works) -- to "industrialize" that sensitive area of the Colleton River. I was introduced to the Colleton River Plantation History Committee through the invitation of Paula Williams to speak to members. It was the first in a series of four dinner presentations about Bluffton that were spread over several weeks. Fran Heyward Marscher, Al Stokes of the Waddell Mariculture Center and Larry and Tina Toomer of the Bluffton Oyster Company were the other speakers.

Presenting to about 70 residents at the Nicklaus Clubhouse while taking in the vista of the Colleton River brought to mind two things for which we can be thankful. First, through the efforts of many in Bluffton and Hilton Head, we dodged the bullets of commercialization on that site. Where an industrial complex might have stood, there is simply a lone golf flag. Second, the residents of Colleton River have a genuine interest in learning more about the history of the larger community they call home and to preserve for the benefit of all some of the artifacts that speak to our early history. Bluffton is a little richer for having Colleton River as a neighbor.

Emmett McCracken is a Bluffton native, erstwhile politician and antiques dealer in town.