Hilton Head Island History
The history of Hilton Head is immersed in 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 to a certain extent recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head 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 Island 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 recognized as the Indian Shell Ring.
The subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head happens in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. 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 known today. He was trying 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 good quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands detected 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 Island 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 wealth in the history of Hilton Head Island. A unique slave culture made a vast contribution to this abundance, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were granted a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific chore to complete each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to conclude the chore, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their assignments. Along with the distinct 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 conclusion of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head Island 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, led 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 inexorably into the modern era as the spectacular resort destination we experience today.
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Hilton Head Beach Villas: FOREST BEACH
Hilton Head Beach Villas is a private community located in the South Forest Beach neighborhood 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... More On This Community
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Bluffton Park: Bluffton Park
Bluffton Park is family-friendly community, situated close to the planned 32-acre community park.... 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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Southern Oaks: Southern Oaks
Southern Oaks is a non-gated private community situated in the New Riverside area in Bluffton, SC. The community will consist of single family homes and townhomes all enjoying either lake or protected wooded views. The life experience will include ... More On This Community
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Allenwood: Allenwood
Allenwood is a neighborhood located off of Gum Tree Road on Hilton Head Island. This community consists of 156 homes and is within walking or biking distance of the Hilton Head Island Public Schools, the Island Recreation Center, The Boys and Girls C... More On This Community
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Chinaberry Ridge: Chinaberry Ridge
Located on Gum Tree Road on the north end of Hilton Head Island, one mile from Highway 278. Chinaberry Ridge was designed to be efficient, attractive, and affordable. The friendly, family-oriented feeling in the area can be sensed as soon as you pass... More On This Community
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Breakers: FOREST BEACH
Breakers Villas is in the North Forest Beach area of Hilton Head Island, SC. Another of the island's oldest beach communities, North Forest Beach is steps away from the Atlantic Ocean and the shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities of Coli... More On This Community
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Old House Creek: Old House Creek
The secluded neighborhood just off Spanish Wells Road offers a family friendly environment and close proximity to the Cross Island Parkway-offering easy access to both the north and south ends of Hilton Head Island Island.... More On This Community
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Treetops: FOREST BEACH
Treetops Villas is a private community located in the South Forest Beach neighborhood 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 a... More On This Community
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