The Island's History
The history of Hilton Head Island is drenched in contradictions. On the one hand, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal appropriation 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 Island involves large slave plantations, but they were treated with respect here and in other parts of the region, leading to a distinctive culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the tough fall and winter seasons further north by coming to the island. Substantiation 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 following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head comes about in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under dispute. In the 1520s, both France and Spain occupied the region, with Spain eventually winning control of the area. England later took control of the Port Royal Sound region, and Englishman William Hilton is attributed with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is identified today. He was trying 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 high quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noted 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 relatively 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 common raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a time of relative peace and wealth in the history of Hilton Head Island. A unique slave culture made a sizable contribution to this well-being, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were provided a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a certain task to finish each day, after which they were free 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 assignments. Along with the distinctive 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 closing of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head Island set out 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, led a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a amazing deal of respect for nature and engineered 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 stunning resort destination we recognize today.
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Bluffton Village: Bluffton Village
The Residences of Bluffton Village, situated on S.C. 46. The 4 and 5 bedroom townhouses boast detached carriage houses and a separate studio apartment.... More On This Community
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Eagles Pointe: Eagles Pointe
The community of Eagles Point is on Hwy 278, approximately eight miles past the Hilton Head Island bridge. The golf course was designed by Davis Love III. The swimming pool has a junior Olympic pool, picnic area, fireplace, changing rooms, and more. ... More On This Community
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Beachside Tennis: SEA PINES
Beach Side Tennis Villas is inside Sea Pines. 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 plantations on Hilton Head spanning 5,200 acre... More On This Community
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The Paddocks: The Paddocks
The Paddocks afford majestic views of Jarvis Creek's salt marshes. Horse and leisure trails, a community pool with clubhouse and outdoor entertainment area, a community picnic area, and a convenient location make this an excellent neighborhood.... 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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The Neighborhoods of OakView: The Neighborhoods of OakView
The Neighborhoods of OakView consists of 120 homes and is situated off Oakview Road at the island's north end, within immediate reach of the Cross Island Parkway. It has three distinct neighborhoods. Sterling Pointe consists of 17 dramatic home sites... 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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Woodbine Villas: SEA PINES
Woodbine Villas is a private community locates between Harbour Town and the ocean 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 ... More On This Community
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Harbour Town Club Villas: Sea Pines
Harbourtown Club Villas is located in the heart of Harbour Town 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 r... More On This Community
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