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Hilton Head Island History
The history of Hilton Head is immersed in 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 to a certain extent recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head 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 Island 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 recognized as the Indian Shell Ring.
The subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head happens in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. 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 accredited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head as it is known today. He was trying to find Port Royal’s entrance when he came across the island, and he and his men were very impressed with the air, the water, the good quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands detected 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 Island 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 wealth in the history of Hilton Head Island. A unique slave culture made a vast contribution to this abundance, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were granted a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific chore to complete each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to conclude the chore, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their assignments. Along with the distinct 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 conclusion of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head Island 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, led 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 inexorably into the modern era as the spectacular resort destination we experience today.
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Barrington Arms: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Barrington Arms Villas is a private community close to the ocean located in the Leamington neighborhood of Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island Island, SC. This popular resort and residential community is located mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved ac... More On This Community
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Inverness Village: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Inverness Village is an exclusive private community situated 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 homes and 1470 vi... More On This Community
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Hilton Head Club Villas: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
Hilton Head Island Club Villas is a private community situated in Hilton Head Plantation on Hilton Head Island, SC. One of Hilton Head Island's largest and most age-diverse residential neighborhoods is Hilton Head Plantation. Spread over 4,000 acres... More On This Community
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Summerfield: Summerfield
The Villas of Summerfield is a private community situated 1/4 mile from the Cross Island Expressway and a five-minute drive from the Sea Pines Circle on Hilton Head Island, SC. Low-density units are arranged around a central lagoon, and each unit bo... More On This Community
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Shorewood: FOREST BEACH
Shorewood is a private community in the South Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, 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 shopping fo... More On This Community
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Baynard Cove Club: SEA PINES
Baynard Cove Club is a private residence in the heart of South Beach situated in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the first private plantation community on the island. Sea Pines is one of the large... More On This Community
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Schooner Court: SEA PINES
Schooner Court Villas is an exclusive Harbour Town townhouse community on the Calibogue Sound located in Sea Pines, SC. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the first private plantation community on the island. Sea Pines is one of the bi... More On This Community
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Harbourside II: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Harbourside II Villas is situated in Shelter Cove Harbour on Hilton Head Island, SC. Shelter Cove Harbour is the largest deepwater marina on Hilton Head Island. It encloses the end of Broad Creek at the island's center across Highway 278 from the en... More On This Community
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