Hilton Head History
The history of Hilton Head Island is full of contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal appropriation by Native Americans. On the other side, the town of Hilton Head Island 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 one of a kind culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the harsh fall and winter seasons further north by coming to the island. Evidence 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 second recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island presents itself in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. In the 1520s, both France and Spain occupied 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 accredited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is identified today. He was aiming 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 excellence of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands discovered 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 fairly 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 time of relative peace and abundance in the history of Hilton Head Island. A distinct slave culture made a great contribution to this abundance, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were provided a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a distinct project to finish each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to conclude the task, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their tasks. Along with the distinct 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 finish 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, 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 built 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 firmly into the modern era as the beautiful resort destination we know well 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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Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort: FOLLY FIELD
Each year, thousands of people flock to Hilton Head Island with the ultimate goal of enjoying the breathtaking views of the ocean and the stunning beaches. Another reason why people travel to the island is tennis. The island is home to over three hun... 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 biggest residential and resort planta... More On This Community
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Southern Oaks: Southern Oaks
Southern Oaks is a non-gated private community located in the New Riverside area in Bluffton, SC. The community will consist of single family homes and townhomes all enjoying either lake or protected wooded views. The life experience will include a... More On This Community
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Baynard Park: Baynard Park
Baynard Park is an exclusive, gated community, located off Hwy 278, east of Hwy 170 and the Okatie River. Some of the amenities include swimming pools, a covered pavilion with open fireplace, fitness facility, tennis courts, basketball court and a pl... 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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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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Chinaberry Ridge: Chinaberry Ridge
Located on Gum Tree Road on the north end of Hilton Head Island, one mile from Highway 278. Chinaberry Ridge was designed to be efficient, attractive, and affordable. The friendly, family-oriented feeling in the area can be sensed as soon as you pass... More On This Community
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Folly Field: FOLLY FIELD
One of Hilton Head Island's older beach communities, this mid-island neighborhood is close to Folly Field beach and the Islanders’ Beach Park. The park allows car parking only for autos with an islanders’ beach parking permit and boasts a playground,... More On This Community
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The Links: PORT ROYAL
The Links Villas at Port Royal Village on Hilton Head Island, SC is beautifully snuggled in a heavily treed and maintained plantation environment which includes two 18 hold championship quality golf courses and multi-surface tennis courts. From your ... More On This Community
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