About Hilton Head History
The history of Hilton Head Island is full of interesting contradictions. On the one hand, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal occupation by Native Americans. On the other side, the town of Hilton Head was incorporated to a certain extent recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head involves sizeable 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 well-known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head occurs in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under dispute. 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 credited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head as it is acknowledged today. He was attempting 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 exceptional quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noticed 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 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 common raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and growth in the history of Hilton Head Island. A unique slave culture made a considerable contribution to this wealth, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were accustomed to a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a certain assignment to conclude each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to complete the task, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their tasks. Along with the unique 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 ending 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 Island, led a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a excellent deal of respect for nature and engineered 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 Island inexorably into the modern era as the exquisite resort destination we know well today.
|
|
 |
Sandy Pointe: Sandy Pointe
Sandy Pointe is a private community of 200 homes situated in Bluffton, SC. Sandy Pointe is conveniently situated just off Buckwalter Parkway, set peacefully away from the highway noise yet offering easy access to schools and shopping. Residents of ... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Sandy Pointe
|
 |
Sailmaster: SHIPYARD
Sailmaster is a private townhome community located in Shipyard on Hilton Head, SC. Shipyard Plantation stretches across over 800 wooded and fairway-lined acres off Highway 278, between Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines. Shipyard offers residential living... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: SHIPYARD
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Sailmaster
|
 |
Daufuskie Island : DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
Daufuskie Island is a sea island situated off the South Carolina coast, approximately one nautical mile west of Hilton Head Island’s Harbour Town. In addition to the Atlantic Ocean, Daufuskie Island is bordered by the Cooper River and the Calibogue ... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Daufuskie Island
|
 |
The Links: PORT ROYAL
The Links Villas at Port Royal Village on Hilton Head Island, SC is beautifully snuggled in a heavily treed and maintained plantation environment which includes two 18 hold championship quality golf courses and multi-surface tennis courts. From your ... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PORT ROYAL
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: The Links
|
 |
The Sea Crest: FOREST BEACH
The Sea Crest is a private community situated in the North Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC. The exclusive community offers every convenience imaginable, from under complex parking, 2 oceanside & 1 indoor pools, fitness center, pl... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: FOREST BEACH
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: The Sea Crest
|
 |
Cedar Woods: Cedar Woods
This secluded south-end Hilton Head Island neighborhood is situated just off Point Comfort Road and boasts homes of numerous architectural styles. Close proximity to the Cross Island Parkway allows easy access to the island's north end. Cedar Woods h... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Cedar Woods
|
 |
Hampton Place: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Hampton Place Villas is a private community situated in the neighborhood of Leamington in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head, SC. Leamington is a private community within Palmetto Dunes consisting of 300 homes and 516 villas and townhomes. Entrance is ac... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Hampton Place
|
 |
Fairway One: SEA PINES
Fairway One Villas a private community steps to the Sea Pines Beach Club and an expansive lagoon to golf view over the Ocean and Sea Marsh golf courses is located in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines int... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: SEA PINES
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Fairway One
|
 |
Lighthouse Road Villas: SEA PINES
Lighthouse Road Villas is an exclusive small community boardering the 18th hole of Harbour Town Golf Course and Calibogue Sound in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the first private plantation com... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: SEA PINES
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Lighthouse Road Villas
|
 |
Singleton Beach: Singleton Beach
Residents of Singleton Beach live in the only island location where marshes directly meet the Atlantic Ocean, yielding fantastic ocean-front views. The community of 32 homes, starting at just under $1 million, extends four street rows back from the o... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Singleton Beach
|
|
|
|
Loading Data...
