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.
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Harbourside II: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Harbourside II Villas is located in Shelter Cove Harbour on Hilton Head Island, SC. Shelter Cove Harbour is the biggest deepwater marina on Hilton Head Island. It encloses the end of Broad Creek at the island's center across Highway 278 from the ent... More On This Community
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Shell Hall: Shell Hall
Shell Hall is Bluffton's newest traditional neighborhood development consisting of distinctively different custom homes. There are 120 acres with 264 homes and homesites. Buyers may choose from a list of preferred builders. Amenities include a junior... More On This Community
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Pine Ridge: Pine Ridge
Pineridge is a community designed with families in mind. Where prices are refreshingly modest, the 310 homes are filled with features you would find in a luxury home. Smooth ceilings, name-brand appliances, and full landscaped lots are considered sta... More On This Community
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Sandy Pointe: Sandy Pointe
Sandy Pointe is a private community of 200 homes located in Bluffton, SC. Sandy Pointe is conveniently located just off Buckwalter Parkway, set peacefully away from the highway noise yet offering easy access to schools and shopping. Residents of th... More On This Community
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Anchorage Point: Anchorage Point
This condominium-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 quiet condominium community, Mariner's Cove Club is located 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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Cedar Cove: DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
Cedar Cove is surrounded on three sides by the manicured grounds of exclusive Haig Point, with the fourth side comprised of the Intracoastal Waterway. The property is breathtaking, with deep-water frontage, majestic sunsets, ancient cedars, and a ca... More On This Community
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The Sea Crest: FOREST BEACH
The Sea Crest is a private community located in the North Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC. The exclusive community offers every convenience imaginable, from under complex parking, 2 oceanside & 1 indoor pools, fitness center, plu... More On This Community
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The Estate at Westbury: The Estate at Westbury
The Estate at Westbury Park, is snuggled inside the classic neo-traditional neighborhood along side of homes with large front porches, sidewalks lit by street lamps, stocked lakes, and shady squares. A park in the middle of the neighborhood has a lar... More On This Community
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