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.
|
|
 |
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
Search Listings By MLS Area: Ashton Cove
|
 |
Lighthouse Lane: SEA PINES
Lighthouse Lane 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 res... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: SEA PINES
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Lighthouse Lane
|
 |
South Beach: Sea Pines
At the very southern most tip of Hilton Head Island Island Island, deep in the Sea Pines Resort, is a charming area called South Beach. It is the beach area between Bald Eagle and Lands End. This is where the Calibogue Sound meets the Atlantic Ocean.... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Sea Pines
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: South Beach
|
 |
The Neighborhoods of OakView: The Neighborhoods of OakView
The Neighborhoods of OakView consists of 120 homes and is situated off Oakview Road at the island's north end, within immediate reach of the Cross Island Parkway. It has three distinct neighborhoods. Sterling Pointe consists of 17 dramatic home sites... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: The Neighborhoods of OakView
|
 |
Abbington: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Abbington villas are an Island favorite. They are located directly across the street from the beach and offer views of the 11 mile lagoon system. The villas have modern designs with vaulted ceilings. In addition, they are open, airy, have a lot of g... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Abbington
|
 |
Woodbridge: Woodbridge
Woodbridge is a community of 386 homes designed for families of all age. It is distinguished by a distinctive wooden bridge that leads you into this collection of distinctive neighborhoods. Woodbridge offers oversized homesites with lagoon or wooded... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Woodbridge
|
 |
St Andrews Common: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
St Andrews Common Villas is a private community with a short walk to fabulous pool & pool pavilion situated in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head, SC. This popular resort and residential community is situated mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Ins... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: St Andrews Common
|
 |
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
|
 |
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
Search Listings By MLS Area: Palmetto Dunes/Shelter Cove
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Mariners
|
|
|
|
Loading Data...
