Hilton Head History
The history of Hilton Head Island is full of contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal appropriation by Native Americans. On the other side, the town of Hilton Head Island was incorporated pretty 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 chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the harsh fall and winter seasons further north by coming to the island. Evidence 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 second 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 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 identified today. He was aiming 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 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 numerous raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a time of relative peace and abundance in the history of Hilton Head Island. A distinct slave culture made a great contribution to this abundance, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were provided a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a distinct project to finish each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to conclude the task, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their tasks. Along with the distinct 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 finish of the Civil War, during almost the entirety 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, 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 built 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 firmly into the modern era as the beautiful resort destination we know well today.
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Harbour Town Green: SEA PINES
Harbourtown Green is an exclusive residential community located 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 re... More On This Community
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Tidewater Landing: Tidewater Landing
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Racquet Club Villas: SEA PINES
Racquet Club Villas is a private community close to Harbour Town and a fun Trolley ride to the beach 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 P... More On This Community
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Peregrine Pointe: Peregrine Pointe
Peregrine Point is a marshfront, gated development with 29 homesites, including five marshfront homes with panoramic views of Broad Creek and Shelter Cove. A community dock is available for residents.... More On This Community
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Blue Heron Point: Blue Heron Point
Blue Heron Point is located on Hilton Head next to the bridges that connect Hilton Head to the mainland. Homes on this enchanting street enjoy exceptional waterway views of Pinckney Island.... More On This Community
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Cedar Woods: Cedar Woods
This quiet south-end Hilton Head Island neighborhood is located just off Point Comfort Road and features homes of many architectural styles. Close proximity to the Cross Island Parkway allows easy access to the island's north end. Cedar Woods has 88 ... More On This Community
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The Townes at Buckwalter: The Townes at Buckwalter
Portrait Homes' newest community in the Bluffton area, the Townes at Buckwalter offers low maintenance living for residents who enjoy gorgous grounds with walking and bike paths, a pond, a pool, and a clubhouse.... More On This Community
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Fazio Villas: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Fazio Villas, a private community, is situated in Palmetto Dunes Resorts 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, three m... More On This Community
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Ocean Breeze: FOREST BEACH
Ocean Breeze Villas is a private community located 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 f... More On This Community
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