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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Spring Island: Okatie
Spring Island offers the wonderful combination of beauty and easy living that defines the lowcountry lifestyle. Fishing, Crabbing, or finding oysters, can be followed by a round of golf on their world-class course. Maybe you can enjoy a night of cham... More On This Community
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Palmetto Bay Marina: Palmetto Bay Marina
Palmetto Bay Marina Villas is a private community close to watersports and restaurants in the Palmetto Bay Marina neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC.... More On This Community
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Midpoint: Midpoint
With a strong focus on a natural setting within the community, Midpoint at New Riverside offers a variety of home styles. Homeowners will enjoy many community provided services including trash removal, lawn care, irrigation and community lighting. Ho... More On This Community
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Newport Villas: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Newport Villas is an exclusive residence in the Shelter Cove Harbour neighborhood 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 f... 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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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
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The Sands Village: FOREST BEACH
Sands Village Villas is a private community located in North Forest Beach on Hilton Head Island, SC. Another of the island's oldest beach communities, North Forest Beach is steps away from the Atlantic Ocean and the shopping, dining, and entertainme... More On This Community
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Evian: SHIPYARD
Evian Villas is located in Shipyard Plantation 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 as well as a qu... More On This Community
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