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.
|
|
 |
Captains Quarters: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Captain's Quarters Villas is situated in Shelter Cove Harbour on Hilton Head, SC. Shelter Cove Harbour is the largest deepwater marina on Hilton Head. It encloses the end of Broad Creek at the island's center across Highway 278 from the entrance to ... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Captains Quarters
|
 |
The Farm at Buckwalter: The Farm at Buckwalter
One of Bluffton's most popular neighborhoods, The Farm, is situated 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
Search Listings By MLS Area: The Farm at Buckwalter
|
 |
Hilton Head Plantation: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
Hilton Head Plantation offers beaches, bike trails, four different golf courses, boating, tennis courts, and two different nature conservancy centers. Hilton Head Plantation is one of Hilton Head Island's largest and most age-diverse established com... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
|
 |
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
Search Listings By MLS Area: The Willows
|
 |
Hanahan Place: Hanahan Place
Hanahan Place is a small family community on Hilton Head, SC. This community provides security and is a short walk to the public school system and the Boys and Girls club of Hilton Head.... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Hanahan Place
|
 |
Sea Cloisters: FOLLY FIELD
Sea Cloisters Villas is an exclusive beach front community located 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
Search Listings By MLS Area: FOLLY FIELD
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Sea Cloisters
|
 |
Point Comfort: Point Comfort
Point Comfort is just a short drive from the Cross Island Parkway, down Point Comfort Road. It is a peaceful neighborhood of 76 homes where children play safely in a park-like common area. Many homes enjoy spectacular marsh views over Broad Creek and... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Point Comfort
|
 |
The Haven: The Haven
The Haven At New Riverside is an active adult community designed for senior lifestyles. This magnificent, picturesque private community is located in the New Riverside meighborhood of Bluffton, SC. The Haven will feature homes with wooded or lagoon... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: The Haven
|
|
|
|
Loading Data...
