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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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Shipwatch Point: Shipwatch Point
Shipwatch is situated in the private community of Broad Creek on Hilton Head Island, SC. This neighborhood is secludedly nestled among tall pines and boasts calming lagoons and a community pool. Other boasts include marsh views and a private securit... More On This Community
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Braddock Cove Club: SEA PINES
Braddock Cove Club 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 bigbiggestbiggestst residential and resort plantations on Hilton Head spanning... More On This Community
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Victoria Bluff: Victoria Bluff
Victoria Bluff is a charming community of 63 homes situated off Sawmill Creek Road in Bluffton, SC. The neighborhood is embraced by the 1200-acre Victoria Bluff Preserve. Each home enjoys a very unique design unmatched throughout the community. Enjoy... More On This Community
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Tennismaster: SHIPYARD
Tennismaster is a privte community and one of the closest communities to the beach located in Shipyard Plantation on Hilton Head, SC. Shipyard Plantation stretches across over 800 wooded and fairway-lined acres off Highway 278, between Palmetto Dune... 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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Water Oak Villas: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Water Oak Villas, 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 ... More On This Community
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The Sands Village: FOREST BEACH
Sands Village Villas is a private community located in North Forest Beach on 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 entertainme... More On This Community
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Alston Park: Alston Park
Alston Park is a beautifully landscaped and well planned community of single family homes centered around an expansive park. Alston Park offers proximity to Hilton Head Island and Savannah.... 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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