HHI 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 tenantry 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 Island 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 harsh 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 following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head happens 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 control 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 acknowledged today. He was looking 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 excellence of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands discovered 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 period of relative peace and prosperity in the history of Hilton Head Island. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this good fortune, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were provided a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific assignment to finish 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 shape 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, brought a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a exceptional 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 steadily into the modern era as the outstanding resort destination we experience today.
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St Andrews Common: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
St Andrews Common Villas is a private community with a short walk to fabulous pool & pool pavilion located in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head, SC. This popular resort and residential community is located mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Insid... More On This Community
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Ribaut Island: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
Ribaut Island is an exclusive private neighborhood situated on the Port Royal Sound in Hilton Head Plantation on Hilton Head Island, SC. One of Hilton Head largest and most age diverse residential neighborhoods is Hilton Head Plantation. Spread over ... More On This Community
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The Village at Olde Town: The Village at Olde Town
Olde Town is located just two miles from the bridge to Hilton Head. This beautifully set residential area is developed on approximately 20 acres of land and wetlands offering lovely views and a bridge crossing the wetlands. This community offers from... More On This Community
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Windward Village: SHIPYARD
Windward Village Villas is a private community situated in Shipyard Plantation on Hilton Head Island, SC. Shipyard Plantation stretches across over 800 wooded and fairway-lined acres off Highway 278, between Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines. Shipyard of... More On This Community
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The Crescent: The Crescent
The Crescent is a community that presents 428 fairway homes and 12 villas alongside the Arnold Palmer designed golf course. The only course designed by Arnold Palmer in the Hilton Head Island area, The Crescent stretches along the marshes of Colleton... More On This Community
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Spanish Pointe: SPANISH WELLS
The 10 custom-built manor homes of Spanish Pointe are some of the most impressive on the island. Fantastic views of the Calibogue Sound are matched by a quiet, scenic roadway, which is accessed by a private gate.... More On This Community
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Cedar Cove: DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
Cedar Cove is surrounded on three sides by the manicured grounds of exclusive Haig Point, with the fourth side comprised of the Intracoastal Waterway. The property is breathtaking, with deep-water frontage, majestic sunsets, ancient cedars, and a ca... More On This Community
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Broad Creek Landing: Broad Creek Landing
Broad Creek Landing is a townhouse community situated on Hilton Head Island, SC. Signature tall pines surround this neighborhood that boasts serene lagoons and a neighborhood pool. Complimenting Broad Creek Landing are the smaller areas of Three Mast... 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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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
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