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Keeping the May River Wild | Enlarge
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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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Wendover Dunes: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Wendover Dunes Villas is a private community in the Leamington neighborhood located in the heart of the popular Palmetto Dunes Plantation on Hilton Head Island Island Island, SC. Just a hop, skip and a jump to the beach. Wendover Dunes Villas has a ... More On This Community
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The Villages at Palmetto Pointe: The Villages at Palmetto Pointe
Come see why the Villages at Palmetto Pointe has become one of Bluffton's most popular communities. Ideally situated between Hilton Head and Savannah, this neighborhood blends the charm of small town living with the convenience of these two premier s... More On This Community
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Harbour Town: SEA PINES
Harbour Town is essentially the centerpiece of Hilton Head. The Harbour Town lighthouse and Harbour Town Marina offer beautiful scenery of Sea Pines, Harbour Town Golf Links, Tybee Island, and Daufuskie Island. While climbing the lighthouse stairs, y... More On This Community
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Gascoigne Bluff: Gascoigne Bluff
Gascoigne Bluff is on picturesque Route 46 with beautiful views of the May River. This neighborhood possesses Southern tradition and grandeur with well designed custom homes, each with docks on the river. Properties have availability of the 200 acr... More On This Community
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May River: May River
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Sailmaster: SHIPYARD
Sailmaster is a private townhome community situated in Shipyard on Hilton Head, SC. Shipyard Plantation stretches across over 800 wooded and fairway-lined acres off Highway 278, between Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines. Shipyard offers residential livin... More On This Community
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The Haven: The Haven
The Haven At New Riverside is an active adult community designed for senior lifestyles. This magnificent, picturesque private community is situated in the New Riverside meighborhood of Bluffton, SC. The Haven will boast homes with wooded or lagoon ... More On This Community
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Point Comfort: Point Comfort
Point Comfort is just a short drive from the Cross Island Parkway, down Point Comfort Road. It is a peaceful neighborhood of 76 homes where children play safely in a park-like common area. Many homes enjoy spectacular marsh views over Broad Creek and... More On This Community
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Parkside: Parkside
Parkside at Baynard Park inspires the graceful beauty and charm of the historic south. Located in Bluffton, South Carolina, Parkside at Baynard Park embodies the rhythm of life that you can only find in the south. Picture wide porches with rocking ch... More On This Community
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