HHI 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 tenantry by Native Americans. On the other side, the town of Hilton Head was incorporated to a certain extent recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head Island 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 harsh 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 following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head happens in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under dispute. In the 1520s, both France and Spain settled 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 accredited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head as it is acknowledged today. He was looking 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 excellence of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands discovered 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 period of relative peace and prosperity in the history of Hilton Head Island. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this good fortune, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were provided a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific assignment to finish 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 shape 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, brought a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a exceptional 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 steadily into the modern era as the outstanding resort destination we experience today.
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Seagrass Landing: Seagrass Landing
Seagrass Landing is a five building thirteen unit townhouse community situated 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-pane... More On This Community
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Hilton Head Lakes: JASPER COUNTY
Hilton Head Island Lakes is a private, gated community featuring a 155± acre freshwater, navigable, unspoiled lake as its focal point. The lake, with over 20 miles of shoreline, ties the entire community together allowing you to visit your neighbors,... More On This Community
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Quartermaster: Quartermaster
Quartermaster is a townhome-style neighborhood is quietly snuggled among tall pines and features calming lagoons and a community pool. Other features include marsh views.... More On This Community
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Mariners Cove Club: Mariners Cove Club
A secluded condominium community, Mariner's Cove Club is situated 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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Windsor Court: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Windsor Court is a private community with masterful beach access in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island, SC. This popular resort and residential community is located mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes and 1470... More On This Community
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Plantation Club: SEA PINES
Plantation Club Villas 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 plantations on Hil... More On This Community
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Shipmaster: SHIPYARD
Shipmaster is a private community located in Shipyard Plantation on Hilton Head Island, 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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Broad Pointe: INDIGO RUN
Indigo Run Plantation has a very special private neighborhood situated along Broad Creek, offering breath taking views of its marshes. Broad Pointe has its own private security gate, pool and dock for fishing and crabbing. A perfect place for small ... More On This Community
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Belfair: Belfair
Belfair is located on Highway 278, five miles from the bridge to Hilton Head Island. Belfair is a private, 1,100-acre community on the scenic marshes of the Colleton River. The magnificent "Avenue of Oaks" leads you into Belfair where you find two 1... More On This Community
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