|
|
The Island's 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 appropriation 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 Island involves large slave plantations, but they were treated with respect here and in other parts of the region, leading to a distinctive culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the tough fall and winter seasons further north by coming to the island. Substantiation 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 following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head comes about in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under dispute. In the 1520s, both France and Spain occupied 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 attributed with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is identified today. He was trying 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 high quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noted 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 time of relative peace and wealth in the history of Hilton Head Island. A unique slave culture made a sizable contribution to this well-being, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were provided a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a certain task to finish each day, after which they were free 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 assignments. Along with the distinctive 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. They became free at the closing of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head Island set out 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, led a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a amazing deal of respect for nature and engineered 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 stunning resort destination we recognize today.
|
|
 |
Lighthouse I Villas: SEA PINES
Lighthouse I Villas 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... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: SEA PINES
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Lighthouse I Villas
|
 |
Daufuskie Island : DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
Daufuskie Island is a sea island situated off the South Carolina coast, approximately one nautical mile west of Hilton Head Island’s Harbour Town. In addition to the Atlantic Ocean, Daufuskie Island is bordered by the Cooper River and the Calibogue ... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Daufuskie Island
|
 |
Baywood: Baywood
This is a small, family-oriented neighborhood just outside historic Bluffton, South Carolina.... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Baywood
|
 |
Fernlakes: Fernlakes
Fernlakes is on Burnt Church Road, just off of Highway 278 in Bluffton. This community has a distinctive three-mile long lake waterway for fishing and boating, along with a neighborhood pool and playground.... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Fernlakes
|
 |
Huntington: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Huntington is an exclusive community situated in the Leamington neighborhood of 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 h... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Huntington
|
 |
Sound Villas: SEA PINES
Sound Villas is a private residencs in the heart of South Beach situated in Sea Pines on Hilton Head, SC. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the first private plantation community on the island. Sea Pines is one of the largest residenti... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: SEA PINES
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Sound Villas
|
 |
Bridgetown: Bridgetown
The is no data available on Bridgetown Villas... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Bridgetown
|
 |
Riverbend: Riverbend
Riverbend is located 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, and... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Riverbend
|
 |
Port Royal: PORT ROYAL
The Port Royal Community is home to the original landing site of William Hilton, the explorer the island is named after. This community is a private residential community famous for its peaceful, preserved natural environment and plentiful amenities... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PORT ROYAL
|
 |
Hilton Head Beach Club: FOREST BEACH
Hilton Head Beach Club Villas is a private community 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 an... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: FOREST BEACH
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Hilton Head Beach Club
|
|
|
|
Loading Data...
