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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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Muirfield: SEA PINES
Muirfield is a private community situated 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 largest residential and resort plantation... More On This Community
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Hamilton at Shipyard: SHIPYARD
Hamilton Villas is a private community located 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 residentia... More On This Community
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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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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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Ashton Cove: Ashton Cove
Ashton Cove is a vibrant family-oriented community of 88 homes situated on Broad Creek near Point Comfort Road on Hilton Head Island. Close to the Cross Island Parkway, this neighborhood is a five-minute walk from the Crossings Park that boasts a sk... More On This Community
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Gleneagle Green: SEA PINES
Gleneagle Green is a private community 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 plantations ... More On This Community
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Meadowbrook: Meadowbrook
As a small affordably priced neighborhood of just over 30 homes, Meadowbrook at Old Carolina is bordered by wooded areas. Home sites in this community average from one-third to one-quarter of an acre and homeowners have access to swimming and tennis ... More On This Community
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Edgefield: Edgefield
Edgefield is a very affordable community with a community pool, playground, soccer area, basketball court and amenity building. Edgefield is situated within reasonable walking distance from the Bluffton School.... More On This Community
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Captains Cove: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Captains Cove Villas is situated in Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island, SC. This popular resort and residential community is situated mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes, 1470 villas, three miles of wor... More On This Community
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Indigo Run: INDIGO RUN
Indigo Run is the newest and final private residential golf plantation established on Hilton Head Island. Located at the north end of the island, Indigo Run has access just off of Highway 278 and contains 1,712 acres of gorgeous wooded property. Cont... More On This Community
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