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Hilton Head Island History
The history of Hilton Head is immersed in contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal habitation by Native Americans. On the other hand, the town of Hilton Head was incorporated to a certain extent recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head involves significant slave plantations, but they were treated with respect here and in other parts of the region, leading to a strking culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest installment in the history of Hilton Head Island involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the severe 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 recognized as the Indian Shell Ring.
The subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head happens in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. 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 known today. He was trying 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 good quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands detected 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 rather 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 numerous raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and wealth in the history of Hilton Head Island. A unique slave culture made a vast contribution to this abundance, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were granted a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific chore to complete each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to conclude the chore, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their assignments. 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. They became free at the conclusion of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head Island 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, led a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a outstanding deal of respect for nature and engineered recreational amenities first, such as bike paths, tennis courts, and golf courses. Housing and hotels came subsequently, 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 inexorably into the modern era as the spectacular resort destination we experience today.
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Three Mast Lane: Three Mast Lane
Three Mast Lane is a private town home style neighborhood located in the community of Broad Creek on Hilton Head Island Island, SC. It is quietly snuggled among tall pines and features calming lagoons and a community pool. Other features include mars... More On This Community
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Palmetto Bay Marina: Palmetto Bay Marina
Palmetto Bay Marina Villas is a private community close to watersports and restaurants in the Palmetto Bay Marina neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC.... More On This Community
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Braddock Cove Club: SEA PINES
Braddock Cove Club is situated in Sea Pines. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the first private plantation community on the island. Sea Pines is one of the biglargestlargestst residential and resort plantations on Hilton Head spannin... More On This Community
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Little Cove Cottages: Little Cove Cottages
Little Cove is a small private community on the banks of Broad Creek River on Hilton Head, SC.... More On This Community
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Stones Throw: FOLLY FIELD
Stones Throw Villas is a private community minutes from the beach situated in the Folly Field neighborhood on Hilton Head Island Island Island, SC. One of Hilton Head Island Island's older beach communities, this mid-island neighborhood is close to ... More On This Community
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Wendover Dunes: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Wendover Dunes Villas is a private community in the Leamington neighborhood located in the heart of the popular Palmetto Dunes Plantation on Hilton Head Island Island Island, SC. Just a hop, skip and a jump to the beach. Wendover Dunes Villas has a ... More On This Community
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Port Royal: PORT ROYAL
The Port Royal Community is home to the original landing site of William Hilton, the explorer the island is named after. This community is a private residential community famous for its peaceful, preserved natural environment and plentiful amenities... More On This Community
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South Beach Villas: SEA PINES
South Beach Villas is a private residence in the heart of South Beach located 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 bigge... More On This Community
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Ketch Court: SEA PINES
Ketch Court Villas is on the banks of Harbour Town Marina 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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