A Brief History
The history of Hilton Head is chuck-full of contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal occupation 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 large slave plantations, but they were treated with respect here and in other parts of the region, leading to a unique culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest chapter 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. 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 well-known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head occurs in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. In the 1520s, both France and Spain colonized 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 credited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is well-known today. He was attempting to find Port Royal’s entrance when he came across the island, and he and his men were affected with the air, the water, the exceptional quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands observed 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 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 fortune in the history of Hilton Head Island. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this wealth, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were given 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 fulfill the chore, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their projects. Along with the unique 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 closing of the Civil War, during almost the whole of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head 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, brought a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a exceptional deal of respect for nature and developed 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 Island firmly into the modern era as the relaxing resort destination we experience today.
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Evian: SHIPYARD
Evian Villas is located in Shipyard Plantation on Hilton Head, SC. Shipyard Plantation stretches across over 800 wooded and fairway-lined acres off Highway 278, between Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines. Shipyard offers residential living as well as a qu... More On This Community
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Barrington Court: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Barrington Court Villas is a private community close to the ocean situated 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, 1470... More On This Community
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Leamington: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Leamington is a private community within Palmetto Dunes consisting of approximately 300 homes and approximately 516 villas and townhomes. Entrance is accessed through gated security entrances on Highway 278 and on Ocean Lane in Palmetto Dunes. Greenw... More On This Community
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Harbourwood Villas: SEA PINES
Harbourwood Villas is a private community 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 largest residential and resort ... More On This Community
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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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Wexford: Wexford
Wexford Plantation is situated on the south end of Hilton Head Island. This prestigious neighborhood is a sailor’s paradise; and is one of Hilton Head’s premier residential communities. Located on the gentle banks of the Broad Creek, Wexford's cente... More On This Community
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Racquet Club Villas: SEA PINES
Racquet Club Villas is a private community close to Harbour Town and a fun Trolley ride to the beach 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 P... More On This Community
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Forest Cove: Forest Cove
Forest Cove is a private condominium-style neighborhood situated in Broad Creek Landing on Hilton Head, SC. It is secludedly nestled among tall pines and boasts calming lagoons and a community pool. Other boasts include marsh views.... More On This Community
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May River: May River
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Sandy Pointe: Sandy Pointe
Sandy Pointe is a private community of 200 homes situated in Bluffton, SC. Sandy Pointe is conveniently situated just off Buckwalter Parkway, set peacefully away from the highway noise yet offering easy access to schools and shopping. Residents of ... More On This Community
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