A Brief History
The history of Hilton Head is chuck-full of contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal occupation by Native Americans. On the other hand, the town of Hilton Head 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 unique culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest chapter in the history of Hilton Head 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 well-known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head occurs in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. In the 1520s, both France and Spain colonized 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 credited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is well-known today. He was attempting to find Port Royal’s entrance when he came across the island, and he and his men were affected with the air, the water, the exceptional quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands observed 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 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 fortune in the history of Hilton Head Island. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this wealth, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were given a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific assignment to complete each day, after which they were free to go home. It was up to them how to fulfill the chore, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their projects. Along with the unique 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 Island. They became free at the closing of the Civil War, during almost the whole of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head 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, 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 developed 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 Island firmly into the modern era as the relaxing resort destination we experience today.
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Plantation Club: SEA PINES
Plantation Club Villas is 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 biggest residential and resort plantations on Hil... More On This Community
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Lighthouse I Villas: SEA PINES
Lighthouse I Villas is a private community 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 biggest residential and resort ... 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 unique three-mile long lake waterway for fishing and boating, along with a neighborhood pool and playground.... More On This Community
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Tabby Walk: Tabby Walk
Tabby Walk Villas is a private community very affordable and a masterful value centrally located in the north island neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC.... More On This Community
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Brighton Bay: Brighton Bay
Brighton Bay consists of 153 luxury condos. The one, two, and three-bedroom units are located near Palmetto Bay Marina on Paddle Boat Lane offering fantastic views of Broad Creek. The facility has a shared swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness cente... More On This Community
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Palmetto Bluff: PALMETTO BLUFF
Palmetto Bluff, a community featuring riverfront views on three sides, is a 20,000-acre residential community and conservation preserve in Bluffton, South Carolina. This neighborhood is characterized by wide-ranging nature preserves, river access, wa... More On This Community
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Chinaberry Ridge: Chinaberry Ridge
Located on Gum Tree Road on the north end of Hilton Head Island, one mile from Highway 278. Chinaberry Ridge was designed to be efficient, attractive, and affordable. The friendly, family-oriented feeling in the area can be sensed as soon as you pass... More On This Community
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BridgePointe: BridgePointe
BridgePointe is situated in the heart of Bluffton. At BridgePointe there is the availability of two and three bedroom garden-style condominium homes with the simplicity of single-level living. This gorgous landscaped community has two lakes and a si... More On This Community
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Hilton Head Beach Villas: FOREST BEACH
Hilton Head Beach Villas is a private community located 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 from the... More On This Community
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