A Brief History
The history of Hilton Head is chuck-full of contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal occupation 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 large slave plantations, but they were treated with respect here and in other parts of the region, leading to a unique culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest chapter 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. 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 well-known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head occurs in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. In the 1520s, both France and Spain colonized 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 credited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is well-known today. He was attempting to find Port Royal’s entrance when he came across the island, and he and his men were affected with the air, the water, the exceptional quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands observed 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 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 fortune in the history of Hilton Head Island. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this wealth, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were given a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific assignment to complete each day, after which they were free to go home. It was up to them how to fulfill the chore, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their projects. Along with the unique 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 closing of the Civil War, during almost the whole of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head 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, 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 developed 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 Island firmly into the modern era as the relaxing resort destination we experience today.
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Hidden Lakes: Hidden Lakes
Located on Simmonsville Road in Bluffton, Hidden Lakes consists of 187 homes. Homes range in size and floor plan up to two stories and four bedrooms. Along with spacious and comfortable homes, Hidden Lakes features a community pool, a community pavil... More On This Community
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Forest Beach: Forest Beach
The Forest Beach area of Hilton Head is a two and a half mile stretch of beach reaching from the Sea Pines Resort ocean gate to the Crown Plaza Resort in Shipyard Plantation. Forest Beach is divided into two sections; South Forest Beach is the one mi... More On This Community
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Lake Forest: SEA PINES
Lake Forest Villa is located 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 biggest residential and resort plantations on Hilton Head spa... More On This Community
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Palmetto Pointe Townes: Palmetto Pointe Townes
Nestled in a stunning wooded environment, Palmetto Pointe Townes is situated near Historic Bluffton, South Carolina. Just a bike-ride away from the calming flow of the May River, Palmetto Point Townes is in an ideal location. Conveniently situated ne... More On This Community
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University Park: University Park
University Park is a private residential community situated next to the University of South Carolina's New River campus and across from the Wal-Mart Super Center and New River Center in Bluffton, SC. University Park offers a lifestyle and standard ... More On This Community
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The Village at Olde Town: The Village at Olde Town
Olde Town is situated just two miles from the bridge to Hilton Head. This gorgeously set residential area is developed on approximately 20 acres of land and marshlands offering lovely views and a bridge crossing the marshlands. This community offers ... More On This Community
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Moss Creek: MOSS CREEK
This private country club known as Moss Creek Plantation has more than 1,000 homes and 70 villas with marsh views, deepwater opportunities, and boasts two championship Tom Fazio golf courses. Located just minutes from the Hilton Head Bridge, Moss Cre... More On This Community
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Cordillo Courts: FOREST BEACH
Cordillo Courts is 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 shopping found along South Forest Beach ... More On This Community
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