History Overview
The history of Hilton Head is full of subtle 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 pretty recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head Island 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 involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the severe fall and winter seasons further north by coming to the island. Proof 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 known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island occurs in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under conflict. In the 1520s, both France and Spain settled 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 credited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is recognized today. He was looking to find Port Royal’s entrance when he came across the island, and he and his men were touched with the air, the water, the level of quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noted 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 relatively 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 repeated raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and prosperity in the history of Hilton Head. A unique slave culture made a great contribution to this fortune, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were given a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a particular project to fulfill each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to complete the chore, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their projects. Along with the distinctive 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 ending 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 Island, brought 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 steadfastly into the modern era as the beautiful resort destination we experience today.
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The Residences at Bluffton Village: The Residences at Bluffton Village
The Residences at Bluffton Village is a townhome community situated in downtown Bluffton, South Carolina. With some lagoon views, this community is within walking distance of the Bluffton Library, Bluffton Post Office, shops, small businesses, and r... More On This Community
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Indigo Run: INDIGO RUN
Indigo Run is the newest and final private residential golf plantation established on Hilton Head Island. Located at the north end of the island, Indigo Run has access just off of Highway 278 and contains 1,712 acres of gorgeous wooded property. Cont... More On This Community
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Harbourside I: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Harbourside I Villas 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 ent... More On This Community
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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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Parkside: Parkside
Parkside at Baynard Park inspires the graceful beauty and charm of the historic south. Located in Bluffton, South Carolina, Parkside at Baynard Park embodies the rhythm of life that you can only find in the south. Picture wide porches with rocking ch... More On This Community
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The Sea Crest: FOREST BEACH
The Sea Crest is a private community situated in the North Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC. The exclusive community offers every convenience imaginable, from under complex parking, 2 oceanside & 1 indoor pools, fitness center, pl... More On This Community
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Folly Field: FOLLY FIELD
One of Hilton Head Island's older beach communities, this mid-island neighborhood is close to Folly Field beach and the Islanders’ Beach Park. The park allows car parking only for autos with an islanders’ beach parking permit and features a playgroun... More On This Community
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Callawassie Island: Okatie
Callawassie Island is a private, exclusive residential golf course community on an 880 acre island. It offers a relaxing, traditional lowcountry experience with a Tom Fazio 27 hole golf links. Conveniently situated off Hwy 170 between Hilton Head I... More On This Community
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