The Island's History
The history of Hilton Head Island is drenched in contradictions. On the one hand, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal appropriation 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 Island involves large slave plantations, but they were treated with respect here and in other parts of the region, leading to a distinctive culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the tough fall and winter seasons further north by coming to the island. Substantiation 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 known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head comes about in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under dispute. In the 1520s, both France and Spain occupied the region, with Spain eventually winning control of the area. England later took control of the Port Royal Sound region, and Englishman William Hilton is attributed with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is identified today. He was trying to find Port Royal’s entrance when he came across the island, and he and his men were impressed with the air, the water, the high quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noted 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 relatively 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 common raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a time of relative peace and wealth in the history of Hilton Head Island. A unique slave culture made a sizable contribution to this well-being, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were provided a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a certain task to finish each day, after which they were free to go home. It was up to them how to complete the chore, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their assignments. Along with the distinctive 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 closing of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head Island set out 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 amazing deal of respect for nature and engineered 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 stunning resort destination we recognize today.
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Chinaberry Ridge: Chinaberry Ridge
Located on Gum Tree Road on the north end of Hilton Head Island, one mile from Highway 278. Chinaberry Ridge was designed to be efficient, attractive, and affordable. The friendly, family-oriented feeling in the area can be sensed as soon as you pass... More On This Community
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The Lyons: PORT ROYAL
The Lyons Villas at Port Royal Village on Hilton Head Island, SC is gorgously snuggled in a heavily treed and maintained plantation environment which includes two 18 hold championship quality golf courses and multi-surface tennis courts. From your Ly... More On This Community
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Woodbridge: Woodbridge
Woodbridge is a community of 386 homes designed for families of all age. It is distinguished by a unique wooden bridge that leads you into this collection of unique neighborhoods. Woodbridge offers oversized homesites with lagoon or wooded views. Th... More On This Community
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Cotton Hope: Cotton Hope
No Data Available on Cotton Hope Villas.... More On This Community
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The Moorings: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
The Moorings Villas is an exclusive community with masterful beach access 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... More On This Community
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Turtle Lane Club Villas: SEA PINES
Turtle Lane Club Villas is an exclusive private community 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 biggest residential and r... More On This Community
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North Shore Place: FOREST BEACH
North Shore Place Villas is an exclusive community located in North Forest Beac on Hilton Head Island Island, SC. Another of the island's oldest beach communities, North Forest Beach is steps away from the Atlantic Ocean and the shopping, dining, and... More On This Community
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Callawassie Island: Okatie
Callawassie Island is a private, exclusive residential golf course community on an 880 acre island. It offers a relaxing, traditional lowcountry experience with a Tom Fazio 27 hole golf links. Conveniently situated off Hwy 170 between Hilton Head I... More On This Community
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Coligny Villas: FOREST BEACH
Coligny Villas is conveniently situated within one minute of the beach, shopping, and restaurants in the North Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC. Another of the island's oldest beach communities, North Forest Beach is steps away fro... More On This Community
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