Hilton Head Island History Overview
The history of Hilton Head is immersed in interesting contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal tenantry by Native Americans. On the other side, the town of Hilton Head was incorporated fairly 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 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 referred to as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island happens 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 acknowledged today. He was trying 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 high quality 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 Island supported the colonists during the Revolutionary War, leading to regular raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a time of relative peace and abundance in the history of Hilton Head. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this good fortune, 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 conclude each day, after which they were free to go home. It was up to them how to finish the assignment, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their chores. Along with the distinct 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. They became free at the conclusion of the Civil War, during almost the whole 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 Island, brought a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a wonderful deal of respect for nature and developed 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 steadily into the modern era as the lovely resort destination we recognize today.
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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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Yacht Cove: Yacht Cove
Located next to the Shelter Cove area of Palmetto Dunes Planataion the community of Yacht Cove offers single family homes in a lowcountry style. In addition to the single family homes there is the Wyndemere Condo Area and the town homes of Jib Sale C... 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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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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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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Hickory Cove Villas: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Hickory Cove is a 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 villas, three mile... More On This Community
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Cedar Cove: DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
Cedar Cove is surrounded on three sides by the manicured grounds of exclusive Haig Point, with the fourth side comprised of the Intracoastal Waterway. The property is breathtaking, with deep-water frontage, majestic sunsets, ancient cedars, and a ca... More On This Community
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Xanadu Villas: FOREST BEACH
Xanadu Villas is a private community located in the South Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head, 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 shoppi... More On This Community
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Melrose: DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
Melrose derives its name from the rose brought to Daufuskie from Scotland by Captain Mongin. In Melrose you'll find a combination of single family residences, oceanfront villas, and low rise condominiums all in the Lowcountry tradition. The active ... More On This Community
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Surf Court: FOREST BEACH
Surf Court Villas is a private community in the South Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head, 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 f... More On This Community
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