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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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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Chinaberry Ridge: Chinaberry Ridge
Located on Gum Tree Road on the north end of Hilton Head Island, one mile from Highway 278. Chinaberry Ridge was designed to be efficient, attractive, and affordable. The friendly, family-oriented feeling in the area can be sensed as soon as you pass... More On This Community
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Mariners: Palmetto Dunes/Shelter Cove
The Mariners section of Palmetto Dunes lies long the ocean, north of the Mariott Resort. Palmetto Dunes has more than 5 miles of bike paths. It is also has three world class golf courses. Each golf course has water, sand, and marsh to battle with an... More On This Community
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Abbey Glen: Abbey Glen
Abbey Glenn is located in Hardeeville, South Carolina, just west of Hilton Head. This exciting new community offers 112 distinctive one-story ranch-style condominiums. Offering the privacy of single-family living with all the benefits of condo livin... More On This Community
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Southern Oaks: Southern Oaks
Southern Oaks is a non-gated private community situated 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 ... More On This Community
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Allenwood: Allenwood
Allenwood is a neighborhood located off of Gum Tree Road on Hilton Head Island. This community consists of 156 homes and is within walking or biking distance of the Hilton Head Island Public Schools, the Island Recreation Center, The Boys and Girls C... More On This Community
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Shipmaster: SHIPYARD
Shipmaster is a private community located in Shipyard Plantation on Hilton Head Island, SC. Shipyard Plantation stretches across over 800 wooded and fairway-lined acres off Highway 278, between Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines. Shipyard offers residenti... More On This Community
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Bluffton Park: Bluffton Park
Bluffton Park is family-friendly community, situated close to the planned 32-acre community park.... More On This Community
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The Traditions at Old Carolina: The Traditions at Old Carolina
Traditions at Old Carolina Golf Club is a private, gated community with 115 homes and homesites offering a pool and tennis facility, and a special arrangement for golf privileges. These quaint single-family homes offer marvelous golf, lagoon, or wood... More On This Community
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Palmetto Dunes/Shelter Cove: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove are popular residential communities located mid-island. Stretching over 1,800 acres this well preserved area has 1,012 homes and 1,470 villas, three miles of illustrious Atlantic Ocean beaches, 11 miles of winding lago... More On This Community
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Charles Sampson | Hilton Head Island | Phone: 800-267-3285 | Email | Blog 
