Hilton Head Island History Overview
The history of Hilton Head is immersed in interesting contradictions. On the one side, 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 fairly 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 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 referred to as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island happens 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 acknowledged today. He was trying 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 high quality 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 Island supported the colonists during the Revolutionary War, leading to regular raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a time of relative peace and abundance in the history of Hilton Head. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this good fortune, 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 conclude 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 outline 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 whole 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 Island, brought a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a wonderful deal of respect for nature and developed 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 steadily into the modern era as the lovely resort destination we recognize today.
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Hickory Cove Villas: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Hickory Cove is a private community located 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 and 1470 villas, three miles ... More On This Community
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Harbour Town Club Villas: Sea Pines
Harbourtown Club Villas is situated in the heart of Harbour Town 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 largest residential and ... More On This Community
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Fernlakes: Fernlakes
Fernlakes is on Burnt Church Road, just off of Highway 278 in Bluffton. This community has a distinctive three-mile long lake waterway for fishing and boating, along with a neighborhood pool and playground.... More On This Community
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Windsor Place: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Windsor Place is a private community with masterful beach access in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head, SC. This popular resort and residential community is located mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes and 1470 villas... More On This Community
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The Villages at Palmetto Pointe: The Villages at Palmetto Pointe
Come see why the Villages at Palmetto Pointe has become one of Bluffton's most popular communities. Ideally situated between Hilton Head and Savannah, this neighborhood blends the charm of small town living with the convenience of these two premier s... More On This Community
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Beckenham: PORT ROYAL
Beckenham at Port Royal Village on Hilton Head, SC is beautifully snuggled in a heavily treed and maintained plantation environment which includes two 18 hole championship quality golf courses and multi-surface tennis courts. From your Beckman Villa ... More On This Community
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Ocean Cove Club: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Ocean Cove Villas is luxurious community with in steps to the beach and to all the amenities located in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island, SC. This popular resort and residential community is located mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Ins... More On This Community
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Timbercrest: Timbercrest
Timbercrest is a private community off of Spanish Wells Rd on Hilton Head, SC.... More On This Community
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Cutter Court: SEA PINES
Cutter 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 ... More On This Community
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Land's End: SEA PINES
The exclusive community of Lands End Lake Forest Villas is situated within the South Beach Marina neighborhood of Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head Island, SC. Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines as the premiere and private plantation community on t... More On This Community
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