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Hilton Head Island History
The history of Hilton Head is immersed in 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 to a certain extent recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head 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 Island involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the severe 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 recognized as the Indian Shell Ring.
The subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head happens in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. 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 known today. He was trying 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 good quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands detected 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 rather 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 numerous raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and wealth in the history of Hilton Head Island. A unique slave culture made a vast contribution to this abundance, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were granted a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific chore to complete each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to conclude the chore, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their assignments. 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. They became free at the conclusion of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head Island started 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, led 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 inexorably into the modern era as the spectacular resort destination we experience today.
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Ocean One: FOREST BEACH
Ocean One Villas is an exclusive ocean side community located in South Forest Beach 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 shopp... More On This Community
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The Greens: SHIPYARD
The Greens Villas is a private community with a great location within walking distance to the beach and the new Shipyard Beach Club situated in Shipyard Plantation on Hilton Head, SC. Shipyard Plantation stretches across over 800 wooded and fairway-l... More On This Community
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Midpoint: Midpoint
With a strong focus on a natural setting within the community, Midpoint at New Riverside offers a variety of home styles. Homeowners will enjoy many community provided services including trash removal, lawn care, irrigation and community lighting. Ho... More On This Community
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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
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Baywood: Baywood
This is a small, family-oriented neighborhood just outside historic Bluffton, South Carolina.... More On This Community
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Eagles Pointe: Eagles Pointe
The community of Eagles Point is on Hwy 278, approximately eight miles past the Hilton Head Island bridge. The golf course was designed by Davis Love III. The swimming pool has a junior Olympic pool, picnic area, fireplace, changing rooms, and more. ... More On This Community
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Fazio Villas: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Fazio Villas, a private community, is situated in Palmetto Dunes Resorts on Hilton Head, SC. This popular resort and residential community is situated mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes and 1470 villas, three m... More On This Community
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A Place at the Beach: FOREST BEACH
A Place at the Beach is a gorgous luxury complex situated in the Forest Beach area. It is at the beach and is convenient to all the restaurants and shops of Coligny Plaza.... More On This Community
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The Spa on Port Royal Sound: The Spa on Port Royal Sound
The Spa on Port Royal Sound on Hilton Head Island is a villa community where one can enjoy sparkling white sand beaches, play tennis on courts surrounded by palmetto trees and tropical plants... Golf on stunning courses that challenge every player fr... More On This Community
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