History Overview
The history of Hilton Head is full of subtle 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 pretty recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head Island 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 involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the severe 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 known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island occurs in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under conflict. In the 1520s, both France and Spain settled 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 credited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is recognized today. He was looking 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 level of quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noted 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 relatively 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 repeated raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and prosperity in the history of Hilton Head. A unique slave culture made a great contribution to this fortune, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were given a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a particular project to fulfill each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to complete the chore, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their projects. Along with the distinctive 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 ending 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 Island, brought 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 steadfastly into the modern era as the beautiful resort destination we experience today.
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Gascoigne Bluff: Gascoigne Bluff
Gascoigne Bluff is on picturesque Route 46 with beautiful views of the May River. This neighborhood possesses Southern tradition and grandeur with well designed custom homes, each with docks on the river. Properties have availability of the 200 acr... More On This Community
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Harbour Town: SEA PINES
Harbour Town is essentially the centerpiece of Hilton Head. The Harbour Town lighthouse and Harbour Town Marina offer gorgeous scenery of Sea Pines, Harbour Town Golf Links, Tybee Island, and Daufuskie Island. While climbing the lighthouse stairs, yo... More On This Community
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Wellstone: Wellstone
Wellstone at Bluffton is a superior built neighborhood of 108 townhomes. The 1,500 to 1,800 square foot townhomes are 3 bedrooms with 2 and ½ baths with an attached single car garage. Amenities abound with a clubhouse, fitness center, playground, wal... More On This Community
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Fairway One: SEA PINES
Fairway One Villas a private community steps to the Sea Pines Beach Club and an expansive lagoon to golf view over the Ocean and Sea Marsh golf courses is located in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines int... More On This Community
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Windy Lake: Windy Lake
Windy Lake is a private community situated off Simmonsville Road in Bluffton, SC. Windy Lake is a secluded and well-established neighborhood that surrounds a man-made lake and offers affordable homes on larger-than-average home sites.... More On This Community
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Hanahan Place: Hanahan Place
Hanahan Place is a small family community on Hilton Head, SC. This community provides security and is a short walk to the public school system and the Boys and Girls club of Hilton Head.... More On This Community
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Shell Hall: Shell Hall
Shell Hall is Bluffton's newest traditional neighborhood development consisting of distinctively different custom homes. There are 120 acres with 264 homes and homesites. Buyers may choose from a list of preferred builders. Amenities include a junior... More On This Community
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Abbington: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Abbington villas are an Island favorite. They are situated directly across the street from the beach and offer views of the 11 mile lagoon system. The villas have modern designs with vaulted ceilings. In addition, they are open, airy, have a lot of ... More On This Community
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Graham Lane Plantation: Graham Lane Plantation
Graham Lane Plantation is an exclusive Hilton Head Island community situated between Old House Creek and Jarvis Creek. This peaceful, serene setting offers 24 generous-sized home sites with wooded, marsh, and creek views. Ownership includes rights to... More On This Community
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