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Hilton Head Island History Overview
The history of Hilton Head is immersed in interesting contradictions. On the one side, 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 fairly 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 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 ruthless 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 referred to as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island happens in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. In the 1520s, both France and Spain occupied 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 accredited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is acknowledged today. He was trying 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 high quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands discovered 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 fairly 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 regular raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a time of relative peace and abundance in the history of Hilton Head. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this good fortune, 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 conclude 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 outline 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 whole 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 wonderful deal of respect for nature and developed recreational amenities first, such as bike paths, tennis courts, and golf courses. Housing and hotels came later, 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 lovely resort destination we recognize today.
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Land's End: SEA PINES The exclusive community of Lands End Lake Forest Villas is situated within the South Beach Marina neighborhood of Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head Island, SC. Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines as the premiere and private plantation community on t... More On This Community
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Riverbend: Riverbend Riverbend is situated amongst marshy grasses and offers river views to an adult community of 200 homes. Riverbend provides access to all the fantastic amenities of Sun City that begins with two 18-hole golf courses, a driving range, putting green, an... More On This Community
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Hidden Lakes: Hidden Lakes Located on Simmonsville Road in Bluffton, Hidden Lakes consists of 187 homes. Homes range in size and floor plan up to two stories and four bedrooms. Along with spacious and comfortable homes, Hidden Lakes features a community pool, a community pavil... More On This Community
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The Legends on The Green: The Legends on The Green The Legends is a luxury condominium community on Union Cemetery Road at the north end of Hilton Head Island Island, SC. Residents of The Legends have tranquil views of lagoons, the Planter's Row golf course in neighboring Port Royal Plantation, or on... More On This Community
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Baynard Cove Club: SEA PINES Baynard Cove Club is a private residence in the heart of South Beach 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 bigges... 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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Braddock Cove Club: SEA PINES Braddock Cove Club is located in Sea Pines. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the first private plantation community on the island. Sea Pines is one of the bigbiggestbiggestst residential and resort plantations on Hilton Head spanning... More On This Community
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Mariners Way: SEA PINES Mariners Way Villas is a private community in the heart of Harbour Town 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 biglargest... 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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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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