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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Colleton River: Colleton River
Colleton River is located approximately two miles from the bridge to Hilton Head Island. This high-end community offers two ranked golf courses and wonderful views of the Colleton River. Roads wind two-and-a-half miles through the South Carolina Natu... More On This Community
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Broad Creek Landing: Broad Creek Landing
Broad Creek Landing is a townhouse community situated on Hilton Head Island, SC. Signature tall pines surround this neighborhood that boasts serene lagoons and a neighborhood pool. Complimenting Broad Creek Landing are the smaller areas of Three Mast... 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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Caravel Court: SEA PINES
Caravel Court is on the banks of Harbour Town Marina 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 resort planta... More On This Community
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Briarwood Villas: SEA PINES
Briarwood Villas is 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 plantations on Hilton ... More On This Community
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Cross Winds: Cross Winds
This waterfront community situated on Broad Creek, just off of Marshland Road, boasts a total of 61 single family home sites set among mature oaks, long leaf pines, palmetto palms, and incredible marsh and Broad Creek views. As a community designed t... More On This Community
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Abbey Glen: Abbey Glen
Abbey Glenn is located in Hardeeville, South Carolina, just west of Hilton Head. This exciting new community offers 112 distinctive one-story ranch-style condominiums. Offering the privacy of single-family living with all the benefits of condo livin... More On This Community
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Summer House: Summer House
Summer House is a private community situated 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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The Spa on Port Royal Sound: The Spa on Port Royal Sound
The Spa on Port Royal Sound on Hilton Head Island is a villa community where one can enjoy sparkling white sand beaches, play tennis on courts surrounded by palmetto trees and tropical plants... Golf on stunning courses that challenge every player fr... More On This Community
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Beach Villas: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Beach Villas is inside Palmetto Dunes. This popular resort and residential community is situated mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes and 1470 villas, and three miles of world-famous Atlantic Ocean beaches, 11 mi... More On This Community
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