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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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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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Coligny Villas: FOREST BEACH
Coligny Villas is conveniently located within one minute of the beach, shopping, and restaurants in the North Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC. Another of the island's oldest beach communities, North Forest Beach is steps away from... More On This Community
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Captains Walk: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Captains Walk 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 and 1470 villas, three miles of world-f... More On This Community
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The Villages at Palmetto Pointe: The Villages at Palmetto Pointe
Come see why the Villages at Palmetto Pointe has become one of Bluffton's most popular communities. Ideally located between Hilton Head and Savannah, this neighborhood blends the charm of small town living with the convenience of these two premier so... More On This Community
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Wildwood Spa: SEA PINES
Wildwood Spa 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 ... More On This Community
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Marsh Side: Marsh Side
Residents at Marsh Side on Hilton Head enjoy active island living in a convenient north side location within walking distance to the public schools. Featuring 244 units, Marsh Side offers amenities, including two lighted tennis courts, swimming pool,... More On This Community
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Stoney Creek: SEA PINES
Stoney Creek Villas is a private community in the Harbour Town neighborhood 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... 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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Beachwalk: SHIPYARD
Beachwalk Villas is located inside Shipyard. 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 well as a quiet location for vacati... More On This Community
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