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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Forest Beach: Forest Beach
The Forest Beach area of Hilton Head is a two and a half mile stretch of beach reaching from the Sea Pines Resort ocean gate to the Crown Plaza Resort in Shipyard Plantation. Forest Beach is divided into two sections; South Forest Beach is the one mi... More On This Community
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Broad Creek Landing: Broad Creek Landing
Broad Creek Landing is a townhouse community situated on Hilton Head Island, SC. Signature tall pines surround this neighborhood that boasts serene lagoons and a neighborhood pool. Complimenting Broad Creek Landing are the smaller areas of Three Mast... More On This Community
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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
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Windtree: Windtree
Wind Tree is a private residential community situated just off Buck Island Road in Bluffton, SC. This is a small non-gated community of just under 50 homes.... More On This Community
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Spanish Wells: SPANISH WELLS
When Spanish explorers first landed on Hilton Head Island, they landed in the future home of the Spanish Wells community. Although it is a private community, it is perfect for those who want to getaway from their busy schedules and get away from it ... More On This Community
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Centrecourt: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Centrecourt Villas is located 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 villas, three miles of world-famou... 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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Palmetto Pointe Townes: Palmetto Pointe Townes
Nestled in a stunning wooded environment, Palmetto Pointe Townes is situated near Historic Bluffton, South Carolina. Just a bike-ride away from the calming flow of the May River, Palmetto Point Townes is in an ideal location. Conveniently situated ne... More On This Community
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Sea Lofts: SEA PINES
Sea Loft located on private Deer Island in Harbour Town is a quiet community only a short walk to the playground, pool, tennis courts, shops, sharter fishing, cafes and trolley car to the beach. n 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the fir... More On This Community
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Sandy Lane: DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
Sandy Lane with spectacular views of gorgeous Daufuskie Island and minutes from the beach is situated on six acres of natural beauty. Villas are situated just steps from the Bloody Point Golf Club (a Weiskopf / Morrish designed golf course). Just hop... More On This Community
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Charles Sampson | Hilton Head Island | Phone: 800-267-3285 | Email | Blog 
