About Hilton Head History
The history of Hilton Head Island is full of interesting contradictions. On the one hand, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal occupation by Native Americans. On the other side, the town of Hilton Head was incorporated to a certain extent recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head involves sizeable slave plantations, but they were treated with respect here and in other parts of the region, leading to a one of a kind culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest installment in the history of Hilton Head involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the ruthless fall and winter seasons further north by coming to the island. Proof of this seasonal settlement remains preserved to this day in the Sea Pines community. Within the community’s forest preserve is a mount made up of oyster shells, clay, and animal bones which has been dated back to 1450 B.C. It is well-known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head occurs in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under dispute. In the 1520s, both France and Spain settled the region, with Spain eventually winning control of the area. England later took command of the Port Royal Sound region, and Englishman William Hilton is credited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head as it is acknowledged today. He was attempting to find Port Royal’s entrance when he came across the island, and he and his men were touched with the air, the water, the exceptional quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noticed by his crew were responsible for the second part of Hilton Head’s name.
Although the island was colonized in 1698 by the English, by 1766 fairly few families lived on the island even after so much time had passed. The residents of Hilton Head Island supported the colonists during the Revolutionary War, leading to common raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and growth in the history of Hilton Head Island. A unique slave culture made a considerable contribution to this wealth, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were accustomed to a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a certain assignment to conclude each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to complete the task, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their tasks. Along with the unique Gullah language and traditions which took form over the years, the Gullah people were and are an important part of the history of Hilton Head. They became free at the ending of the Civil War, during almost the whole of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head started in the second half of the twentieth century. Electricity was introduced in 1951 and Charles Fraser, in many ways the father of modern Hilton Head Island, led a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a excellent deal of respect for nature and engineered recreational amenities first, such as bike paths, tennis courts, and golf courses. Housing and hotels came later, built around both nature and the amenities he created. This development model has been followed by every community created since, taking the history of Hilton Head Island inexorably into the modern era as the exquisite resort destination we know well today.
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Lawton Station: Lawton Station
Lawton Station, drenched in history and beauty, is situated in the Bluffton, South Carolina area. This community is steeped in Lowcountry living and presents itself as a secure neighborhood lifestyle. Lawton Station offers a few unique and varied com... More On This Community
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Mariners: Palmetto Dunes/Shelter Cove
The Mariners section of Palmetto Dunes lies long the ocean, north of the Mariott Resort. Palmetto Dunes has more than 5 miles of bike paths. It is also has three world class golf courses. Each golf course has water, sand, and marsh to battle with an... More On This Community
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The Gatherings: The Gatherings
The Gatherings, located at the foot of the bridge onto Hilton Head Island, features 103 homes and townhouses in a quiet, relaxed setting. The community pool and landscape maintenance make living here a breeze.... More On This Community
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Oldfield: Okatie
Oldfield is a private club community of 500 homes and home sites built along a spectacular Greg Norman golf course and the Okatie River. Oldfield’s ideal location is just a 30-minute drive from Savannah/Hilton Head Island International Airport, and a... More On This Community
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Centrecourt: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Centrecourt Villas is located in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island, SC. This popular resort and residential community is located mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes and 1470 villas, three miles of world-famou... More On This Community
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Twin Oaks Villas: SEA PINES
Twin Oaks Villas is an exclusive private community located in the Harbour Town neighborhood in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the first private plantation community on the island. Sea Pines is on... More On This Community
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The Moorings: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
The Moorings Villas is an exclusive community with great beach access in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island, SC. This popular resort and residential community is situated mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes an... More On This Community
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Captains Cove: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Captains Cove Villas is situated in Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island, SC. This popular resort and residential community is situated mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes, 1470 villas, three miles of wor... More On This Community
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Palmetto Bay Marina: Palmetto Bay Marina
Palmetto Bay Marina Villas is a private community close to watersports and restaurants in the Palmetto Bay Marina neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC.... More On This Community
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Cedar Woods: Cedar Woods
This secluded south-end Hilton Head Island neighborhood is situated just off Point Comfort Road and boasts homes of numerous architectural styles. Close proximity to the Cross Island Parkway allows easy access to the island's north end. Cedar Woods h... More On This Community
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