About Hilton Head History
The history of Hilton Head Island is full of interesting contradictions. On the one hand, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal occupation 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 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 ruthless 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 well-known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head occurs 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 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 as it is acknowledged today. He was attempting 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 exceptional quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noticed 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 fairly 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 common raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and growth in the history of Hilton Head Island. A unique slave culture made a considerable contribution to this wealth, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were accustomed to a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a certain assignment to conclude each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to complete the task, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their tasks. Along with the unique 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 ending 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 Island, led a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a excellent deal of respect for nature and engineered recreational amenities first, such as bike paths, tennis courts, and golf courses. Housing and hotels came later, 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 inexorably into the modern era as the exquisite resort destination we know well today.
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Abbington: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Abbington villas are an Island favorite. They are located directly across the street from the beach and offer views of the 11 mile lagoon system. The villas have modern designs with vaulted ceilings. In addition, they are open, airy, have a lot of g... More On This Community
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Ocean Breeze: FOREST BEACH
Ocean Breeze Villas is a private community situated in South Forest Beach on Hilton Head Island, SC. Much like its sister community to the north, South Forest Beach is just a short walk to the ocean and just minutes away from the dining and shopping ... More On This Community
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Broad Pointe: INDIGO RUN
Indigo Run Plantation has a very special private neighborhood situated along Broad Creek, offering breath taking views of its marshes. Broad Pointe has its own private security gate, pool and dock for fishing and crabbing. A perfect place for small ... More On This Community
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Heritage at New Riverside: Heritage at New Riverside
Welcome to another brand new premiere community called Heritage at New Riverside in Bluffton, South Carolina. Everything from simple to sophisticated, the Heritage at New River will impress and offer a lifestyle to people of all ages and interests. A... More On This Community
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Ocean Cove Club: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Ocean Cove Villas is luxurious community with in steps to the beach and to all the amenities 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. I... 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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Timbercrest: Timbercrest
Timbercrest is a private community off of Spanish Wells Rd on Hilton Head, SC.... More On This Community
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Bluff Villas: SEA PINES
Bluff Villas 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 biggest residential and resort plantations on Hilton Head Island Island spanning 5,2... More On This Community
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Cordillo Courts: FOREST BEACH
Cordillo Courts is located in South Forest Beach on Hilton Head, SC. Much like its sister community to the north, South Forest Beach is just a short walk to the ocean and just minutes away from the dining and shopping found along South Forest Beach ... More On This Community
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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
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Charles Sampson | Hilton Head Island | Phone: 800-267-3285 | Email | Blog 
