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History Overview
The history of Hilton Head is full of subtle 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 pretty recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head Island 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 involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the severe fall and winter seasons further north by coming to the island. Proof 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 subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island occurs in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under conflict. In the 1520s, both France and Spain settled the region, with Spain eventually winning control of the area. England later took hold of the Port Royal Sound region, and Englishman William Hilton is credited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is recognized today. He was looking to find Port Royal’s entrance when he came across the island, and he and his men were touched with the air, the water, the level of quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noted 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 relatively 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 repeated raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and prosperity in the history of Hilton Head. A unique slave culture made a great contribution to this fortune, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were given a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a particular project to fulfill each day, after which they were able 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 projects. Along with the distinctive Gullah language and traditions which took outline over the years, the Gullah people were and are an important part of the history of Hilton Head Island. They became free at the ending of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head Island 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 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 steadfastly into the modern era as the beautiful resort destination we experience today.
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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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Beach Villas: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Beach Villas is inside Palmetto Dunes. 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, and three miles of world-famous Atlantic Ocean beaches, 11 mi... More On This Community
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Forest Cove: Forest Cove
Forest Cove is a private condominium-style neighborhood situated in Broad Creek Landing on Hilton Head, SC. It is secludedly nestled among tall pines and boasts calming lagoons and a community pool. Other boasts include marsh views.... More On This Community
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Sandcastles by the Sea: Sandcastles by the Sea
Sandcastles by the Sea is an ocean oriented community located in the Folly Field neighborhood on Hilton Head, SC. This "gated" community on will reflect a Charleston style home with a maximum of three levels above parking. Folly Field is one of Hilt... More On This Community
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Baynard Cove Club: SEA PINES
Baynard Cove Club is a private residence in the heart of South Beach 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 bigges... More On This Community
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Lighthouse Tennis Club: SEA PINES
Lighthouse Tennis Villas are conveniently located in the heart of Sea Pines Plantation. It is about half a mile to Harbour Town with its signature lighthouse, marina,fine dining, shops, Sea Pines Racquet Club, and Harbour Town Links Golf Course. It i... 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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The Reserve at Woodbridge: BLUFFTON/OFF PLANTATION
The Reserve at Woodbridge is a community of 214 condominiums designed for families of all ages. It is distinguished by a distinctive wooden bridge that leads you into this distinctive neighborhood. Residents may also enjoy a pool, state of the art f... More On This Community
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Inland Harbour: SEA PINES
Inland Harbour is a private community 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 residential and resort plantations... More On This Community
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Fairwood Villas: SEA PINES
Fairwood Villas is a private community 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 plantations ... More On This Community
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