HHI 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 tenantry 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 Island 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 harsh 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 referred to as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head happens 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 control 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 acknowledged today. He was looking 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 excellence of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands discovered 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 period of relative peace and prosperity in the history of Hilton Head Island. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this good fortune, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were provided a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific assignment to finish each day, after which they were free to go home. It was up to them how to finish the assignment, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their chores. 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 Island. They became free at the finish of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head began 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 created 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 steadily into the modern era as the outstanding resort destination we experience today.
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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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Westbury Park: Westbury Park
A classic neighborhood setting is the backdrop for Bluffton's front porch community, Westbury Park. The neo-traditional neighborhood offers homes with front porches, sidewalks lit by street lamps, stocked lakes, and shady squares. A park in the midd... More On This Community
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Beachwalk: SHIPYARD
Beachwalk Villas is located inside Shipyard. 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 quiet location for vacati... More On This Community
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Cedar Cove: DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
Cedar Cove is surrounded on three sides by the manicured grounds of exclusive Haig Point, with the fourth side comprised of the Intracoastal Waterway. The property is breathtaking, with deep-water frontage, majestic sunsets, ancient cedars, and a ca... 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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Bridgetown: Bridgetown
The is no data available on Bridgetown Villas... More On This Community
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Main Sail: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Main Sail is situated in Shelter Cove Harbour on Hilton Head Island, SC. Shelter Cove Harbour is the largest deepwater marina on Hilton Head Island. It encloses the end of Broad Creek at the island's center across Highway 278 from the entrance to Pa... More On This Community
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Bluffton/Off Plantation: Bluffton/Off Plantation
The Town of Bluffton is situated in Beaufort County, the southernmost coastal county in South Carolina. It is situated on a high bluff overlooking the May River, a pristine waterway that has strongly contributed to the Town's history and continued su... More On This Community
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Waterford: SHIPYARD
Waterford Villas is a private community situated 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 residenti... More On This Community
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Historical District: DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
The Historic District of Daufuskie is comprised of the west side of the island and is the home of individuals living in diverse communities - everything from quant cottages to waterfront mansions. The Historic District of Daufuskie includes about one... More On This Community
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