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The Story of Modern Hilton Head | Enlarge
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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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Club Course Villas: SEA PINES
Club Course Villas is located in the Club Course neighborhood 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 biggest residential and res... More On This Community
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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
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The Sea Crest: FOREST BEACH
The Sea Crest is a private community located 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, plu... More On This Community
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Ribaut Island: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
Ribaut Island is an exclusive private neighborhood situated on the Port Royal Sound in Hilton Head Plantation on Hilton Head Island, SC. One of Hilton Head largest and most age diverse residential neighborhoods is Hilton Head Plantation. Spread over ... More On This Community
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Tanglewood Villas: FOREST BEACH
Tanglewood Villas is a private community across the street from the beach and just a short walk to the beach, shopping and restaurants in South Forest Beach on Hilton Head Island Island, SC. Much like its sister community to the north, South Forest ... More On This Community
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Fazio Villas: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Fazio Villas, a private community, is situated in Palmetto Dunes Resorts 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 and 1470 villas, three m... 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 located 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 mil... More On This Community
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Turnberry Village: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Turnberry Village Villas is an exclusive community with great beach access in Palmetto Dunes 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 hom... More On This Community
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Clipper Court: SEA PINES
Clipper 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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