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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Colonnade Club: SHIPYARD
Colonnade Club Villas is 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 residential living as wel... More On This Community
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Fairway Lane: SEA PINES
Fairway Lane Villas a private community is located 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 Pines is one of the biggest residential and resort p... More On This Community
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The Links: PORT ROYAL
The Links Villas at Port Royal Village on Hilton Head Island, SC is beautifully snuggled in a heavily treed and maintained plantation environment which includes two 18 hold championship quality golf courses and multi-surface tennis courts. From your ... More On This Community
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Three Mast Lane: Three Mast Lane
Three Mast Lane is a private town home style neighborhood located in the community of Broad Creek on Hilton Head Island Island, SC. It is quietly snuggled among tall pines and features calming lagoons and a community pool. Other features include mars... 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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Wells East: Wells East
Located just before the gates to Spanish Wells, this quaint, family-friendly neighborhood of 24 homes offers it's own pool, pool pavilion, cul-de-sac quiet, expansive open space, easy access to the Cross Island Parkway, and access to the Spanish Well... More On This Community
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Townhouse Tennis Villas: SHIPYARD
Townhouse Tennis Villas is a private community with 12 homes that share a pool, clubhouse and 2 clay tennis courts in Shipyard Plantation on Hilton Head, SC. Shipyard Plantation stretches across over 800 wooded and fairway-lined acres off Highway 278... More On This Community
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Woodbine Villas: SEA PINES
Woodbine Villas is a private community locates between Harbour Town and the ocean 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 Pines is one of the ... More On This Community
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Spring Island: Okatie
Spring Island offers the wonderful combination of beauty and easy living that defines the lowcountry lifestyle. Fishing, Crabbing, or finding oysters, can be followed by a round of golf on their world-class course. Maybe you can enjoy a night of cham... More On This Community
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Charles Sampson | Hilton Head Island | Phone: 800-267-3285 | Email | Blog 
