Hilton Head History
The history of Hilton Head Island is full of contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal appropriation by Native Americans. On the other side, the town of Hilton Head Island 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 one of a kind culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the harsh fall and winter seasons further north by coming to the island. Evidence 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 second recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island presents itself in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. In the 1520s, both France and Spain occupied the region, with Spain eventually winning control of the area. England later took hold 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 Island as it is identified today. He was aiming 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 Island’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 supported the colonists during the Revolutionary War, leading to numerous raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a time of relative peace and abundance in the history of Hilton Head Island. A distinct slave culture made a great contribution to this abundance, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were provided a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a distinct project to finish each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to conclude the task, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their tasks. Along with the distinct 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 finish of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head Island 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 built 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 firmly into the modern era as the beautiful resort destination we know well today.
|
|
 |
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
Search Listings By MLS Area: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Mariners Point
|
 |
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
Search Listings By MLS Area: Pine Ridge
|
 |
Windsor Court: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Windsor Court is a private community with masterful beach access in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island, SC. This popular resort and residential community is located mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes and 1470... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Windsor Court
|
 |
Southern Oaks: Southern Oaks
Southern Oaks is a non-gated private community located 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 a... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Southern Oaks
|
 |
Fiddlers Cove: FOLLY FIELD
Fiddlers Cove Villas a private community, is located in the Folly Field neighborhood on Hilton Head, SC. One of Hilton Head's older beach communities, this mid-island neighborhood is close to Folly Field beach and the Islanders’ Beach Park. The park... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: FOLLY FIELD
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Fiddlers Cove
|
 |
Seagrass Landing: Seagrass Landing
Seagrass Landing is a five building thirteen unit townhouse community situated on Hilton Head Island. These two-story wood frame townhouses include a porch/deck at each level for entertaining and upgrades that consist of hardwood floors, raised-pane... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Seagrass Landing
|
 |
Beach Villas: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Beach Villas is inside Palmetto Dunes. This popular resort and residential community is situated mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes and 1470 villas, and three miles of world-famous Atlantic Ocean beaches, 11 mi... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Beach Villas
|
 |
Summer House: Summer House
Summer House is a private community situated on Hilton Head Island, SC. Residents enjoy Summer House's swimming pool, playgrounds, 24-hour access to a business center and fitness center.... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Summer House
|
 |
South Pointe: South Pointe
South Pointe is located in Bluffton, just one mile from the bridge to Hilton Head. These 50 homes are on a gorgous peninsula enveloped by holes six to nine of Old South Golf Links. Special golf memberships are available to residents. Privacy and secu... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: South Pointe
|
|
|
|
Loading Data...
