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The History of Hilton Head
The history of Hilton Head is full of contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal tenantry by Native Americans. On the other hand, the town of Hilton Head Island was incorporated to a certain extent recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head 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 rigorous 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 next recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island presents itself in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under debate. In the 1520s, both France and Spain settled 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 accredited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head as it is recognized today. He was aiming to find Port Royal’s entrance when he came across the island, and he and his men were very impressed with the air, the water, the excellence of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noticed 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 supported the colonists during the Revolutionary War, leading to recurrent raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and well-being in the history of Hilton Head. A distinct slave culture made a great contribution to this wealth, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were granted 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 conclude the project, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their tasks. Along with the unique Gullah language and traditions which took form 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 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 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 Island steadily into the modern era as the exquisite resort destination we know today.
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Lawton Station: Lawton Station
Lawton Station, drenched in history and beauty, is situated in the Bluffton, South Carolina area. This community is steeped in Lowcountry living and presents itself as a secure neighborhood lifestyle. Lawton Station offers a few unique and varied com... More On This Community
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Forest Gardens: FOREST BEACH
Forest Gardens Villas is situated in the South Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head, SC. 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 a... More On This Community
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Seagrass Landing: Seagrass Landing
Seagrass Landing is a five building thirteen unit townhouse community located on Hilton Head Island. These two-story wood frame townhouses include a porch/deck at each level for entertaining and upgrades that consist of hardwood floors, raised-panel... More On This Community
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Mariners Cove Club: Mariners Cove Club
A quiet condominium community, Mariner's Cove Club is located on the Hilton Head Island side of the bridge. Spectacular sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway are a draw to this community.... More On This Community
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Fairway Lane: SEA PINES
Fairway Lane Villas a private community is 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 biggest residential and resort p... More On This Community
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Shorewood: FOREST BEACH
Shorewood is a private community in the South Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC. 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 fo... More On This Community
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Newport Villas: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Newport Villas is an exclusive residence in the Shelter Cove Harbour neighborhood on Hilton Head, SC. Shelter Cove Harbour is the largest deepwater marina on Hilton Head. It encloses the end of Broad Creek at the island's center across Highway 278 f... More On This Community
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Grande Oaks: Grande Oaks
Grande Oaks is located around three ponds and large oak trees. This community is close to old town, Bluffton and the Buckwalter Parkway.... 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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Waterford: SHIPYARD
Waterford Villas is a private community situated 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 residenti... More On This Community
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