About Hilton Head History
The history of Hilton Head Island is full of interesting contradictions. On the one hand, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal occupation by Native Americans. On the other side, the town of Hilton Head 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 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 well-known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head occurs in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under dispute. 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 credited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head as it is acknowledged today. He was attempting 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 exceptional quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noticed 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 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 common raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and growth in the history of Hilton Head Island. A unique slave culture made a considerable contribution to this wealth, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were accustomed to a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a certain assignment to conclude each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to complete the task, 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. They became free at the ending 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 Island, led a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a excellent deal of respect for nature and engineered 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 Island inexorably into the modern era as the exquisite resort destination we know well today.
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Residents Club: SEA PINES
Residents 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... More On This Community
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Anchorage Point: Anchorage Point
This condominium-style neighborhood is quietly snuggled among tall pines and features calming lagoons and a community pool. Other features include marsh views.... More On This Community
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Springwood: FOREST BEACH
Springwood Villas is a private community located in the South Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC Residence of Springwood Villas have access to Van Der Mer Tennis Center in Shipyard Plantation and the Players Club in South Forest Bea... 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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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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Captains Cove: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Captains Cove Villas is situated in Palmetto Dunes Resort 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, 1470 villas, three miles of wor... More On This Community
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Pine Ridge: Pine Ridge
Pineridge is a community designed with families in mind. Where prices are refreshingly modest, the 310 homes are filled with boasts you would find in a luxury home. Smooth ceilings, name-brand appliances, and full landscaped lots are considered stand... More On This Community
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South Beach Club: SEA PINES
South Beach Club Villas is a private residencs in the heart of South Beach located 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 bigbigg... More On This Community
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Inland Harbour: SEA PINES
Inland Harbour is a private community situated 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 largest residential and resort plantations... More On This Community
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The Traditions at Old Carolina: The Traditions at Old Carolina
Traditions at Old Carolina Golf Club is a private, gated community with 115 homes and homesites offering a pool and tennis facility, and a special arrangement for golf privileges. These charming single-family homes offer marvelous golf, lagoon, or wo... More On This Community
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