History Overview
The history of Hilton Head is full of subtle 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 pretty recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head Island 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 involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the severe 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 known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island occurs in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under conflict. In the 1520s, both France and Spain settled 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 credited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is recognized today. He was looking 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 level of quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noted 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 relatively 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 repeated raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and prosperity in the history of Hilton Head. A unique slave culture made a great contribution to this fortune, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were given a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a particular project to fulfill each day, after which they were able 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 projects. Along with the distinctive 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 ending of the Civil War, during almost the entirety 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 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 steadfastly into the modern era as the beautiful resort destination we experience today.
|
|
 |
Victoria Bluff: Victoria Bluff
Victoria Bluff is a charming community of 63 homes situated off Sawmill Creek Road in Bluffton, SC. The neighborhood is embraced by the 1200-acre Victoria Bluff Preserve. Each home enjoys a very unique design unmatched throughout the community. Enjoy... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Victoria Bluff
|
 |
Captains Quarters: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Captain's Quarters Villas is situated in Shelter Cove Harbour on Hilton Head, SC. Shelter Cove Harbour is the largest deepwater marina on Hilton Head. It encloses the end of Broad Creek at the island's center across Highway 278 from the entrance to ... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Captains Quarters
|
 |
Parkside: Parkside
Parkside at Baynard Park inspires the graceful beauty and charm of the historic south. Located in Bluffton, South Carolina, Parkside at Baynard Park embodies the rhythm of life that you can only find in the south. Picture wide porches with rocking ch... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Parkside
|
 |
Windmill Harbour: WINDMILL HARBOUR
After crossing the bridge onto Hilton Head, the community of Windmill Harbour is visible on the right side of Highway 278, along the Intracoastal Waterway. Windmill Harbour is the ideal destination for boating and water sports enthusiasts, offering d... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: WINDMILL HARBOUR
|
 |
Ashton Cove: Ashton Cove
Ashton Cove is a vibrant family-oriented community of 88 homes situated on Broad Creek near Point Comfort Road on Hilton Head Island. Close to the Cross Island Parkway, this neighborhood is a five-minute walk from the Crossings Park that boasts a sk... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Ashton Cove
|
 |
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
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Hickory Cove Villas
|
 |
Captains Cove: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Captains Cove Villas is situated in Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island, SC. This popular resort and residential community is situated mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes, 1470 villas, three miles of wor... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Captains Cove
|
 |
Mill Creek at Cypress Ridge: Mill Creek at Cypress Ridge
Mill Creek is a Lowcountry community nestled in the coastal South Carolina area. Located between Charleston and Savannah, Mill Creek offers homes at competitive rates. Whether you enjoy exercising or relaxing, the multi-million dollar sports complex ... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Mill Creek at Cypress Ridge
|
 |
Xanadu Villas: FOREST BEACH
Xanadu Villas is a private community situated in the South Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head, 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 dining and shopp... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: FOREST BEACH
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Xanadu Villas
|
 |
Barrington Court: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Barrington Court Villas is a private community close to the ocean situated in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head, SC. This popular resort and residential community is situated mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes, 1470... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Barrington Court
|
|
|
|
Loading Data...
