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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Inverness Village: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Inverness Village is an exclusive private community situated in Palmetto Dunes 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 and 1470 vi... More On This Community
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Hilton Head Plantation: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
Hilton Head Plantation offers beaches, bike trails, four different golf courses, boating, tennis courts, and two different nature conservancy centers. Hilton Head Plantation is one of Hilton Head Island's largest and most age-diverse established com... More On This Community
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Timbercrest: Timbercrest
Timbercrest is a private community off of Spanish Wells Rd on Hilton Head, SC.... 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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Bluffton Park: Bluffton Park
Bluffton Park is family-friendly community, located close to the planned 32-acre community park.... More On This Community
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Seascape Villas: FOREST BEACH
Seascape Villas is a complex of townhomes that are located in the South Forest Beach area of Hilton Head Island, SC. An uncommon and generous private beach walkway brings the ocean ever closer to the front door of your villa. A variety of local resta... More On This Community
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Mill Creek at Cypress Ridge: Mill Creek at Cypress Ridge
Mill Creek is a Lowcountry community nestled in the coastal South Carolina area. Located between Charleston and Savannah, Mill Creek offers homes at competitive rates. Whether you enjoy exercising or relaxing, the multi-million dollar sports complex ... More On This Community
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Bluff Villas: SEA PINES
Bluff Villas is located in Sea Pines. 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 resort plantations on Hilton Head Island Island spanning 5,2... More On This Community
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Mariners Point: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
Mariners Point Villa is a private community adjacent to Skull Creek Marina & across from Country Club of HH situated in Hilton Head Plantation on Hilton Head Island, SC. One of Hilton Head's largest and most age-diverse residential neighborhoods is H... More On This Community
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Long Cove: Long Cove
Long Cove Club is found between Yacht Cove and Wexford Plantation as you approach the island’s south end. There are 569 homes within this community. Recognized by Golf Digest magazine as the number one course in South Carolina for 10 consecutive year... More On This Community
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