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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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
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Beach Arbor Villas: FOREST BEACH
Beach Arbor Villas is a private community situated in the South Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC. Much like its sister community to the north, South Forest Beach, it is just a short walk to the ocean and just minutes away from the ... More On This Community
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Sea Side Villas: FOREST BEACH
Sea Side Villas is a private beach community situated in South Forest Beach on Hilton Head, SC.... More On This Community
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Barton's Run: Barton's Run
Barton's Run is a private, gated preserve, with lots ranging from 1.2 to 5 acres. Comprised of winding roads and beautiful acreage, Barton's Run is an unrestricted community, and offers Lowcountry living at its finest.... More On This Community
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Yacht Club Villas: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Yacht Club Villas is an exclusive residence in the Shelter Cove Harbour neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC. Shelter Cove Harbour is the largest deepwater marina on Hilton Head Island. It encloses the end of Broad Creek at the island's center acr... More On This Community
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Rose Dhu: Rose Dhu
Rose Dhu Creek offers 118 large estate homesites from one to five acres in a private, gated community situated on more than 300 acres and boasts a full-service equestrian complex, over seven miles of leisure trails, two fully stocked fishing lagoons,... More On This Community
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Hanahan Place: Hanahan Place
Hanahan Place is a small family community on Hilton Head, SC. This community provides security and is a short walk to the public school system and the Boys and Girls club of Hilton Head.... More On This Community
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Callawassie Island: Okatie
Callawassie Island is a private, exclusive residential golf course community on an 880 acre island. It offers a relaxing, traditional lowcountry experience with a Tom Fazio 27 hole golf links. Conveniently situated off Hwy 170 between Hilton Head I... More On This Community
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The Traditions at Old Carolina: The Traditions at Old Carolina
Traditions at Old Carolina Golf Club is a private, gated community with 115 homes and homesites offering a pool and tennis facility, and a special arrangement for golf privileges. These charming single-family homes offer marvelous golf, lagoon, or wo... More On This Community
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