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HHI 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 tenantry by Native Americans. On the other side, the town of Hilton Head was incorporated to a certain extent recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head Island involves sizeable 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 harsh 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 referred to as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head happens in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under dispute. In the 1520s, both France and Spain settled 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 accredited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head as it is acknowledged today. He was looking 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 excellence of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands discovered 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 period of relative peace and prosperity in the history of Hilton Head Island. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this good fortune, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were provided a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific assignment to finish 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 shape over the years, the Gullah people were and are an important part of the history of Hilton Head Island. They became free at the finish of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head 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, 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 created 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 steadily into the modern era as the outstanding resort destination we experience today.
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Alston Park: Alston Park
Alston Park is a beautifully landscaped and well planned community of single family homes centered around an expansive park. Alston Park offers proximity to Hilton Head Island and Savannah.... More On This Community
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Shorewood: FOREST BEACH
Shorewood is a private community in the South Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, 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 fo... More On This Community
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Heritage Villas: SEA PINES
Heritage Villas is a private community 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 largest residential and resort pla... More On This Community
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Woodhaven: Woodhaven
Woodhaven 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 is just a short walk to the ocean and just minutes away from the dining... More On This Community
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Indigo Run: INDIGO RUN
Indigo Run is the newest and final private residential golf plantation established on Hilton Head Island. Located at the north end of the island, Indigo Run has access just off of Highway 278 and contains 1,712 acres of gorgeous wooded property. Cont... More On This Community
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Palmetto Bay Club: Palmetto Bay Club
Palmetto Bay Club Villas is a private community close to watersports and restaurants in the Palmetto Bay Marina neighborhood on Hilton Head, SC.... More On This Community
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Island House: FOREST BEACH
Island House Villas is a private community located in the South Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, 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 dini... More On This Community
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The Sea Crest: FOREST BEACH
The Sea Crest is a private community situated in the North Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC. The exclusive community offers every convenience imaginable, from under complex parking, 2 oceanside & 1 indoor pools, fitness center, pl... More On This Community
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Shell Hall: Shell Hall
Shell Hall is Bluffton's newest traditional neighborhood development consisting of distinctively different custom homes. There are 120 acres with 264 homes and homesites. Buyers may choose from a list of preferred builders. Amenities include a junior... More On This Community
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Ribaut Island: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
Ribaut Island is an exclusive private neighborhood situated on the Port Royal Sound in Hilton Head Plantation on Hilton Head Island, SC. One of Hilton Head largest and most age diverse residential neighborhoods is Hilton Head Plantation. Spread over ... More On This Community
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