The History of Hilton Head
The history of Hilton Head is full of contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal tenantry by Native Americans. On the other hand, the town of Hilton Head Island 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 rigorous 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 referred to as the Indian Shell Ring.
The next 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 debate. 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 recognized today. He was aiming 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 excellence of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noticed 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 recurrent raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and well-being in the history of Hilton Head. A distinct slave culture made a great contribution to this wealth, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were granted a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific assignment to complete each day, after which they were free to go home. It was up to them how to conclude the project, 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 Island. 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 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 created 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 Island steadily into the modern era as the exquisite resort destination we know today.
|
|
 |
Ocean Breeze: FOREST BEACH
Ocean Breeze Villas is a private community located in South Forest Beach 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 f... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: FOREST BEACH
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Ocean Breeze
|
 |
Rivers End: Rivers End
Rivers End is in a location that is easily accessible to Bluffton and Beaufort, SC. and offers spacious homes at affordable prices. All homes have builder upgrades including 2 car garages, fireplaces, Kenmore appliances, and oak cabinets.... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Rivers End
|
 |
Huntington: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Huntington is an exclusive community located in the Leamington neighborhood of Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island, SC. This popular resort and residential community is located mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 hom... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Huntington
|
 |
Historical District: DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
The Historic District of Daufuskie is comprised of the west side of the island and is the home of individuals living in diverse communities - everything from quant cottages to waterfront mansions. The Historic District of Daufuskie includes about one... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Historical District
|
 |
Villamare: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Villamare Villas is a private community with great beach access in Palmetto Dunes 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... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Villamare
|
 |
Cordillo Cabanas: FOREST BEACH
Cordillo Cabanas is located in South Forest Beach 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 found along South Forest Beach... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: FOREST BEACH
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Cordillo Cabanas
|
 |
The Villas at Old South: The Villas at Old South
The Villas at Old South is situated at the border between Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, SC. You can even store your boat/trailer here at no additional cost. With golf and pool views, The Villas at Old South is perfectly situated in Bluffton while... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: The Villas at Old South
|
 |
Cross Winds: Cross Winds
This waterfront community situated on Broad Creek, just off of Marshland Road, boasts a total of 61 single family home sites set among mature oaks, long leaf pines, palmetto palms, and incredible marsh and Broad Creek views. As a community designed t... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Cross Winds
|
 |
Dolphin Head: Hilton Head Plantation
The portion of Hilton Head Plantation that oversees the Port Royal Sound onto Parris Island is called Dolphin Head. Many couples mark their calendars: "full moon" so they can remember to take advantage of Dolphin Head's mile-long beach and go for a l... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Hilton Head Plantation
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Dolphin Head
|
|
|
|
Loading Data...
