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HHI History
The history of Hilton Head Island is drenched in contradictions. On the one hand, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal tenantry 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 Island 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 harsh 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 referred to as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head happens 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 control 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 acknowledged today. He was looking 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’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 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 prosperity in the history of Hilton Head Island. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this good fortune, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were provided a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific assignment to finish each day, after which they were free to go home. It was up to them how to finish the assignment, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their chores. 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 Island. 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 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 created 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 steadily into the modern era as the outstanding resort destination we experience today.
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Compass Point: Compass Point
Compass Point in Broad Creek Landing on Hilton Head Island, SC is a townhouse neighborhood situated in an area that has tall pines and boasts calming lagoons and a neighborhood pool. Other boasts include marsh views.... 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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Sea Cloisters: FOLLY FIELD
Sea Cloisters Villas is an exclusive beach front community 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 ... More On This Community
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Racquet Club Villas: SEA PINES
Racquet Club Villas is a private community close to Harbour Town and a fun Trolley ride to the beach in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the first private plantation community on the island. Sea P... More On This Community
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Cotton Hope: Cotton Hope
No Data Available on Cotton Hope Villas.... More On This Community
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Baynard Park: Baynard Park
Baynard Park is an exclusive, gated community, located off Hwy 278, east of Hwy 170 and the Okatie River. Some of the amenities include swimming pools, a covered pavilion with open fireplace, fitness facility, tennis courts, basketball court and a pl... More On This Community
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Lighthouse Road Villas: SEA PINES
Lighthouse Road Villas is an exclusive small community boardering the 18th hole of Harbour Town Golf Course and Calibogue Sound in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the first private plantation com... More On This Community
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Bluffton Village: Bluffton Village
The Residences of Bluffton Village, situated on S.C. 46. The 4 and 5 bedroom townhouses boast detached carriage houses and a separate studio apartment.... More On This Community
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Wexford: Wexford
Wexford Plantation is situated on the south end of Hilton Head Island. This prestigious neighborhood is a sailor’s paradise; and is one of Hilton Head’s premier residential communities. Located on the gentle banks of the Broad Creek, Wexford's cente... More On This Community
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Ocean Club: FOREST BEACH
Ocean Club Villas is a private community with pool and only steps to beach situated 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 fro... More On This Community
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Charles Sampson | Hilton Head Island | Phone: 800-267-3285 | Email | Blog 
