The History of Hilton Head
The history of Hilton Head is full of contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal tenantry by Native Americans. On the other hand, the town of Hilton Head Island 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 rigorous 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 referred to as the Indian Shell Ring.
The next recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island presents itself in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under debate. 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 recognized today. He was aiming 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 excellence of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noticed 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 supported the colonists during the Revolutionary War, leading to recurrent raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and well-being in the history of Hilton Head. A distinct slave culture made a great contribution to this wealth, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were granted a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific assignment to complete each day, after which they were free to go home. It was up to them how to conclude the project, 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 Island. They became free at the finish of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head 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 created recreational amenities first, such as bike paths, tennis courts, and golf courses. Housing and hotels came afterwards, 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 steadily into the modern era as the exquisite resort destination we know today.
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Barony Woods: Barony Woods
Barony Woods Villas on Beachwood Dr. is one light north of Folly Field Rd. Barony Woods is a private community behind the government building (old library) on the north end neighborhood of Hlton Head Island, SC.... More On This Community
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Woodlake: Woodlake
Woodlake Villas is a privte community situated in the mid island area of Hilton Head, SC. Woodlake Villas has a neighborhood swimming pool, tennis courts and fitness center.... More On This Community
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Twin Oaks Villas: SEA PINES
Twin Oaks Villas is an exclusive private community situated 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 o... More On This Community
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Moss Creek: MOSS CREEK
This private country club known as Moss Creek Plantation has more than 1,000 homes and 70 villas with marsh views, deepwater opportunities, and boasts two championship Tom Fazio golf courses. Located just minutes from the Hilton Head Bridge, Moss Cre... More On This Community
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Hampton Place: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Hampton Place Villas is a private community located in the neighborhood of Leamington in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head, SC. Leamington is a private community within Palmetto Dunes consisting of 300 homes and 516 villas and townhomes. Entrance is acc... More On This Community
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Sea Cloisters: FOLLY FIELD
Sea Cloisters Villas is an exclusive beach front community situated in the Folly Field neighborhood on Hilton Head, SC. One of Hilton Head's older beach communities, this mid-island neighborhood is close to Folly Field beach and the Islanders’ Beach... More On This Community
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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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Harbour Town Club Villas: Sea Pines
Harbourtown Club Villas is located in the heart of Harbour Town in Sea Pines on Hilton Head, SC. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the first private plantation community on the island. Sea Pines is one of the biggest residential and r... More On This Community
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Seagrass Landing: Seagrass Landing
Seagrass Landing is a five building thirteen unit townhouse community situated on Hilton Head Island. These two-story wood frame townhouses include a porch/deck at each level for entertaining and upgrades that consist of hardwood floors, raised-pane... More On This Community
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The Farm at Buckwalter: The Farm at Buckwalter
One of Bluffton's most popular neighborhoods, The Farm, is located off Buckwalter Parkway. A community built on a foundation of family values with parks, bridges, and an amazing amenity center complete with a swimming pool, playground with climbing ... More On This Community
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