Hilton Head Island History
The history of Hilton Head is immersed in contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal habitation by Native Americans. On the other hand, the town of Hilton Head was incorporated to a certain extent recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head involves significant slave plantations, but they were treated with respect here and in other parts of the region, leading to a strking culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest installment in the history of Hilton Head Island involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the severe fall and winter seasons further north by coming to the island. Substantiation of this seasonal occupation 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 recognized as the Indian Shell Ring.
The subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head happens in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. 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 accredited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head as it is known today. He was trying to find Port Royal’s entrance when he came across the island, and he and his men were very impressed with the air, the water, the good quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands detected 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 rather 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 numerous raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and wealth in the history of Hilton Head Island. A unique slave culture made a vast contribution to this abundance, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were granted a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific chore to complete each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to conclude the chore, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their assignments. Along with the distinct Gullah language and traditions which took shape over the years, the Gullah people were and are an important part of the history of Hilton Head. They became free at the conclusion of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head Island 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, led a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a outstanding deal of respect for nature and engineered recreational amenities first, such as bike paths, tennis courts, and golf courses. Housing and hotels came subsequently, 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 inexorably into the modern era as the spectacular resort destination we experience today.
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Arborwood: Arborwood
Arborwood by CraftBuilt Homes is a community on Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton, South Carolina, which is reasonably priced.... More On This Community
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Palmetto Pointe Townes: Palmetto Pointe Townes
Nestled in a stunning wooded environment, Palmetto Pointe Townes is situated near Historic Bluffton, South Carolina. Just a bike-ride away from the calming flow of the May River, Palmetto Point Townes is in an ideal location. Conveniently situated ne... More On This Community
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Ocean Walk: FOREST BEACH
Ocean Walk Villas is a private community with indoor and outdoor pool, tennis courts situated across the street from the ocean in South Forest Beach on Hilton Head, SC. Much like its sister community to the north, South Forest Beach is just a short w... More On This Community
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Ashton Cove: Ashton Cove
Ashton Cove is a vibrant family-oriented community of 88 homes situated on Broad Creek near Point Comfort Road on Hilton Head Island. Close to the Cross Island Parkway, this neighborhood is a five-minute walk from the Crossings Park that boasts a sk... More On This Community
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Long Cove: Long Cove
Long Cove Club is found between Yacht Cove and Wexford Plantation as you approach the island’s south end. There are 569 homes within this community. Recognized by Golf Digest magazine as the number one course in South Carolina for 10 consecutive year... More On This Community
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Mariners Way: SEA PINES
Mariners Way Villas is a private community in the heart of Harbour Town 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 one of the biglargest... More On This Community
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The Garden Homes of Lake Linden: The Garden Homes of Lake Linden
The Garden Homes have a masterful location just off Burnt Church Road in Bluffton, SC. Less than one mile from HWY 278, each of these townhomes enjoy views of lagoons or wooded areas in a family friendly environment. There are lit sidewalks throughou... More On This Community
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Belfair: Belfair
Belfair is located on Highway 278, five miles from the bridge to Hilton Head Island. Belfair is a private, 1,100-acre community on the scenic marshes of the Colleton River. The magnificent "Avenue of Oaks" leads you into Belfair where you find two 1... More On This Community
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The Greens: SHIPYARD
The Greens Villas is a private community with a great location within walking distance to the beach and the new Shipyard Beach Club situated in Shipyard Plantation on Hilton Head, SC. Shipyard Plantation stretches across over 800 wooded and fairway-l... More On This Community
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