Hilton Head Island History Overview
The history of Hilton Head is immersed in interesting contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal tenantry by Native Americans. On the other side, the town of Hilton Head was incorporated fairly recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head Island involves large 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 referred to as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island happens in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. In the 1520s, both France and Spain occupied the region, with Spain eventually winning control of the area. England later took hold 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 Island as it is acknowledged today. He was trying 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 high quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands discovered by his crew were responsible for the second part of Hilton Head Island’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 regular raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a time of relative peace and abundance in the history of Hilton Head. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this good fortune, 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 conclude each day, after which they were free to go home. It was up to them how to finish the assignment, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their chores. Along with the distinct Gullah language and traditions which took outline 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 whole of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head Island began 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, brought a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a wonderful deal of respect for nature and developed 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 steadily into the modern era as the lovely resort destination we recognize today.
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Ocean Breeze: FOREST BEACH
Ocean Breeze Villas is a private community situated in South Forest Beach on Hilton Head Island, SC. Much like its sister community to the north, South Forest Beach is just a short walk to the ocean and just minutes away from the dining and shopping ... More On This Community
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The Estate at Westbury: The Estate at Westbury
The Estate at Westbury Park, is snuggled inside the classic neo-traditional neighborhood along side of homes with large front porches, sidewalks lit by street lamps, stocked lakes, and shady squares. A park in the middle of the neighborhood has a lar... More On This Community
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The Willows: The Willows
The Willows is a private community located in Bluffton, SC. The Willows is a family community where nature is abundant with quiet, wooded lagoons and many waterfront homesites.... More On This Community
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Treetops: FOREST BEACH
Treetops Villas is a private community located in the South Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC. Much like its sister community to the north, South Forest Beach is just a short walk to the ocean and just minutes away from the dining a... More On This Community
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Villamare: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Villamare Villas is a private community with great beach access in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head, SC. This popular resort and residential community is situated mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes and 1470 villas... More On This Community
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Parkside: Parkside
Parkside at Baynard Park inspires the graceful beauty and charm of the historic south. Located in Bluffton, South Carolina, Parkside at Baynard Park embodies the rhythm of life that you can only find in the south. Picture wide porches with rocking ch... More On This Community
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Somerset: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Somerset Villas is an exclusive beachfront community situated in Palmetto Dunes, SC. This popular resort and residential community is situated mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes and 1470 villas, and three miles... More On This Community
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A Place at the Beach: FOREST BEACH
A Place at the Beach is a gorgous luxury complex situated in the Forest Beach area. It is at the beach and is convenient to all the restaurants and shops of Coligny Plaza.... More On This Community
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Victoria Bluff: Victoria Bluff
Victoria Bluff is a charming community of 63 homes situated off Sawmill Creek Road in Bluffton, SC. The neighborhood is embraced by the 1200-acre Victoria Bluff Preserve. Each home enjoys a very unique design unmatched throughout the community. Enjoy... More On This Community
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