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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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Bluffton Park: Bluffton Park
Bluffton Park is family-friendly community, located close to the planned 32-acre community park.... More On This Community
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Bluff Villas: SEA PINES
Bluff Villas is located in Sea Pines. 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 Island Island spanning 5,2... More On This Community
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Belfair: Belfair
Belfair is located on Highway 278, five miles from the bridge to Hilton Head Island. Belfair is a private, 1,100-acre community on the scenic marshes of the Colleton River. The magnificent "Avenue of Oaks" leads you into Belfair where you find two 1... More On This Community
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Historical District: DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
The Historic District of Daufuskie is comprised of the west side of the island and is the home of individuals living in diverse communities - everything from quant cottages to waterfront mansions. The Historic District of Daufuskie includes about one... More On This Community
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Palmetto Bay Marina: Palmetto Bay Marina
Palmetto Bay Marina Villas is a private community close to watersports and restaurants in the Palmetto Bay Marina neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC.... More On This Community
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Beckenham: PORT ROYAL
Beckenham at Port Royal Village on Hilton Head, SC is gorgeously nestled in a heavily treed and maintained plantation environment which includes two 18 hole championship quality golf courses and multi-surface tennis courts. From your Beckman Villa pr... More On This Community
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The Legends on The Green: The Legends on The Green
The Legends is a luxury condominium community on Union Cemetery Road at the north end of Hilton Head Island Island, SC. Residents of The Legends have tranquil views of lagoons, the Planter's Row golf course in neighboring Port Royal Plantation, or on... More On This Community
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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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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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Oldfield: Okatie
Oldfield is a private club community of 500 homes and home sites built along a spectacular Greg Norman golf course and the Okatie River. Oldfield’s ideal location is just a 30-minute drive from Savannah/Hilton Head Island International Airport, and a... More On This Community
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