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.
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Wexford: Wexford
Wexford Plantation is situated on the south end of Hilton Head Island. This prestigious neighborhood is a sailor’s paradise; and is one of Hilton Head’s premier residential communities. Located on the gentle banks of the Broad Creek, Wexford's cente... More On This Community
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Arborwood: Arborwood
Arborwood by CraftBuilt Homes is a community on Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton, South Carolina, which is reasonably priced.... More On This Community
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Lake Forest: SEA PINES
Lake Forest Villa is located 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 resort plantations on Hilton Head spa... More On This Community
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Beachwalk: SHIPYARD
Beachwalk Villas is located inside Shipyard. 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 quiet location for vacati... More On This Community
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BridgePointe: BridgePointe
BridgePointe is situated in the heart of Bluffton. At BridgePointe there is the availability of two and three bedroom garden-style condominium homes with the simplicity of single-level living. This gorgous landscaped community has two lakes and a si... More On This Community
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Stones Throw: FOLLY FIELD
Stones Throw Villas is a private community minutes from the beach located in the Folly Field neighborhood on Hilton Head Island Island Island, SC. One of Hilton Head Island Island's older beach communities, this mid-island neighborhood is close to F... More On This Community
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The Village at Olde Town: The Village at Olde Town
Olde Town is situated just two miles from the bridge to Hilton Head. This gorgeously set residential area is developed on approximately 20 acres of land and marshlands offering lovely views and a bridge crossing the marshlands. This community offers ... More On This Community
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Palmetto Bay Club: Palmetto Bay Club
Palmetto Bay Club Villas is a private community close to watersports and restaurants in the Palmetto Bay Marina neighborhood on Hilton Head, SC.... More On This Community
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Mariners: Palmetto Dunes/Shelter Cove
The Mariners section of Palmetto Dunes lies long the ocean, north of the Mariott Resort. Palmetto Dunes has more than 5 miles of bike paths. It is also has three world class golf courses. Each golf course has water, sand, and marsh to battle with an... More On This Community
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Coligny Villas: FOREST BEACH
Coligny Villas is conveniently located within one minute of the beach, shopping, and restaurants in the North Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC. Another of the island's oldest beach communities, North Forest Beach is steps away from... More On This Community
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