|
|
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.
|
|
 |
South Forest Beach: Forest Beach
Much like its sister community to the north, South Forest Beach is just a short walk to the ocean and just minutes away from the dining and shopping found along south Forest Beach Road and Pope Avenue. Architecture is a mix of beach style structures ... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Forest Beach
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: South Forest Beach
|
 |
Tidewater Landing: Tidewater Landing
No Data Available... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Tidewater Landing
|
 |
Main Sail: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Main Sail is situated in Shelter Cove Harbour on Hilton Head Island, SC. Shelter Cove Harbour is the largest deepwater marina on Hilton Head Island. It encloses the end of Broad Creek at the island's center across Highway 278 from the entrance to Pa... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Main Sail
|
 |
Fiddlers Cove: FOLLY FIELD
Fiddlers Cove Villas a private community, is located in the Folly Field neighborhood on Hilton Head, SC. One of Hilton Head's older beach communities, this mid-island neighborhood is close to Folly Field beach and the Islanders’ Beach Park. The park... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: FOLLY FIELD
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Fiddlers Cove
|
 |
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
Search Listings By MLS Area: Edgefield
|
 |
The Cypress: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
The Cypress has won numerous awards and continues to set the standard for first-class senior living communities. The Cypress is situated in the waterfront community of Bay Club in Hilton Head Plantation on Hilton Head, SC. One of Hilton Head's large... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: The Cypress
|
 |
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
Search Listings By MLS Area: SEA PINES
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Sea Lofts
|
 |
Turnberry Village: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Turnberry Village Villas is an exclusive community with great beach access in Palmetto Dunes 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 hom... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Turnberry Village
|
 |
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
Search Listings By MLS Area: Chinaberry Ridge
|
|
|
|
Loading Data...
