The Island's 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 appropriation by Native Americans. On the other hand, the town of Hilton Head Island was incorporated to a certain extent 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 distinctive culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the tough fall and winter seasons further north by coming to the island. Substantiation 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 known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head comes about in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under dispute. In the 1520s, both France and Spain occupied 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 attributed with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is identified today. He was trying 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 high quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noted 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 time of relative peace and wealth in the history of Hilton Head Island. A unique slave culture made a sizable contribution to this well-being, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were provided a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a certain task to finish each day, after which they were free to go home. It was up to them how to complete the chore, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their assignments. Along with the distinctive 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 closing of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head Island set out 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 amazing deal of respect for nature and engineered 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 Island steadily into the modern era as the stunning resort destination we recognize today.
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Muirfield: SEA PINES
Muirfield is a private community situated 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 largest residential and resort plantation... More On This Community
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Hidden Lakes: Hidden Lakes
Located on Simmonsville Road in Bluffton, Hidden Lakes consists of 187 homes. Homes range in size and floor plan up to two stories and four bedrooms. Along with spacious and comfortable homes, Hidden Lakes features a community pool, a community pavil... More On This Community
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The Haven: The Haven
The Haven At New Riverside is an active adult community designed for senior lifestyles. This magnificent, picturesque private community is situated in the New Riverside meighborhood of Bluffton, SC. The Haven will boast homes with wooded or lagoon ... More On This Community
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Summer House: Summer House
Summer House is a private community located on Hilton Head Island, SC. Residents enjoy Summer House's swimming pool, playgrounds, 24-hour access to a business center and fitness center.... More On This Community
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Spring Lake Village: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
Spring Lake Village is a private community situated in the Heart of Hilton Head Plantation. One of Hilton Head Island's largest and most age-diverse residential neighborhoods is Hilton Head Island Island Island Island Plantation. Spread over 4,000 ac... More On This Community
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Eagles Pointe: Eagles Pointe
The community of Eagles Point is on Hwy 278, approximately eight miles past the Hilton Head Island bridge. The golf course was designed by Davis Love III. The swimming pool has a junior Olympic pool, picnic area, fireplace, changing rooms, and more. ... More On This Community
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Springwood: FOREST BEACH
Springwood Villas is a private community situated in the South Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC Residence of Springwood Villas have access to Van Der Mer Tennis Center in Shipyard Plantation and the Players Club in South Forest Be... More On This Community
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Baywood: Baywood
This is a small, family-oriented neighborhood just outside historic Bluffton, South Carolina.... More On This Community
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Hilton Head Cabanas: FOREST BEACH
Hilton Head Island Beach Villas is a private community situated in the South Forest Beach neighborhood 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 ... More On This Community
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