Hilton Head Island History Overview
The history of Hilton Head is immersed in interesting contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal tenantry by Native Americans. On the other side, the town of Hilton Head was incorporated fairly 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 one of a kind culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest installment in the history of Hilton Head involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the ruthless 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 referred to as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island happens in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. In the 1520s, both France and Spain occupied 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 accredited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is acknowledged today. He was trying 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 high quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands discovered 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 fairly 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 regular raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a time of relative peace and abundance in the history of Hilton Head. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this good fortune, 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 conclude each day, after which they were free to go home. It was up to them how to finish the assignment, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their chores. Along with the distinct 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. They became free at the conclusion of the Civil War, during almost the whole 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 wonderful deal of respect for nature and developed recreational amenities first, such as bike paths, tennis courts, and golf courses. Housing and hotels came later, 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 steadily into the modern era as the lovely resort destination we recognize today.
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Stones Throw: FOLLY FIELD
Stones Throw Villas is a private community minutes from the beach located in the Folly Field neighborhood on Hilton Head Island Island Island, SC. One of Hilton Head Island Island's older beach communities, this mid-island neighborhood is close to F... More On This Community
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Quartermaster: Quartermaster
Quartermaster is a townhome-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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Chinaberry Ridge: Chinaberry Ridge
Located on Gum Tree Road on the north end of Hilton Head Island, one mile from Highway 278. Chinaberry Ridge was designed to be efficient, attractive, and affordable. The friendly, family-oriented feeling in the area can be sensed as soon as you pass... More On This Community
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The Neighborhoods of OakView: The Neighborhoods of OakView
The Neighborhoods of OakView consists of 120 homes and is situated off Oakview Road at the island's north end, within immediate reach of the Cross Island Parkway. It has three distinct neighborhoods. Sterling Pointe consists of 17 dramatic home sites... More On This Community
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The Preserve at Indigo Run: INDIGO RUN
The Preserve at lndigo Run is a group of 252 villas situated near the entrance to Indigo Run, off Highway 278. Each house-style villa consists of six units ranging in floor plans and size, complete with private entrances and patios or balconies. The ... More On This Community
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Carolina Place: SEA PINES
Carolina Place Villas and Homes are located in the Carolina Place 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 biggest... More On This Community
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South Beach Villas: SEA PINES
South Beach Villas is a private residence in the heart of South Beach situated 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 larg... More On This Community
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South Forest Beach: Forest Beach
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 Road and Pope Avenue. Architecture is a mix of beach style structures ... More On This Community
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The Cypress: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
The Cypress has won numerous awards and continues to set the standard for first-class senior living communities. The Cypress is situated in the waterfront community of Bay Club in Hilton Head Plantation on Hilton Head, SC. One of Hilton Head's large... More On This Community
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Abbey Glen: Abbey Glen
Abbey Glenn is located in Hardeeville, South Carolina, just west of Hilton Head. This exciting new community offers 112 distinctive one-story ranch-style condominiums. Offering the privacy of single-family living with all the benefits of condo livin... More On This Community
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