History Overview
The history of Hilton Head is full of subtle contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal habitation 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 significant slave plantations, but they were treated with respect here and in other parts of the region, leading to a strking culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest installment 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. 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 known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island occurs in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under conflict. In the 1520s, both France and Spain settled 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 credited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is recognized today. He was looking 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 level of quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noted 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 relatively 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 repeated raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and prosperity in the history of Hilton Head. A unique slave culture made a great contribution to this fortune, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were given a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a particular project to fulfill each day, after which they were able 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 projects. Along with the distinctive 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 ending of the Civil War, during almost the entirety 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 outstanding deal of respect for nature and engineered 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 steadfastly into the modern era as the beautiful resort destination we experience today.
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Water Oak Villas: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Water Oak Villas, is a private community with masterful beach access in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island, SC. This popular resort and residential community is located mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes and ... More On This Community
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Grande Oaks: Grande Oaks
Grande Oaks is situated around three ponds and large oak trees. This community is close to old town, Bluffton and the Buckwalter Parkway.... More On This Community
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Huntington: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Huntington is an exclusive community located in the Leamington neighborhood of Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island, SC. This popular resort and residential community is located mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 hom... More On This Community
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Hampton Hall: HAMPTON HALL
Hampton Hall is one of the largest residential communities in Buckwalter with approximately 1000 acres. Hampton Hall is a private gated community with an 18-hole golf course designed by Pete Dye. Within Hampton Hall is a 17 acre activity center situa... More On This Community
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Tabby Walk: Tabby Walk
Tabby Walk Villas is a private community very affordable and a masterful value centrally located in the north island neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC.... More On This Community
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Hampton Place: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Hampton Place Villas is a private community situated in the neighborhood of Leamington in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head, SC. Leamington is a private community within Palmetto Dunes consisting of 300 homes and 516 villas and townhomes. Entrance is ac... More On This Community
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Broad Pointe: INDIGO RUN
Indigo Run Plantation has a very special private neighborhood situated along Broad Creek, offering breath taking views of its marshes. Broad Pointe has its own private security gate, pool and dock for fishing and crabbing. A perfect place for small ... More On This Community
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Twin Oaks Villas: SEA PINES
Twin Oaks Villas is an exclusive private community located in the Harbour Town neighborhood 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 on... More On This Community
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Blue Heron Point: Blue Heron Point
Blue Heron Point is located on Hilton Head next to the bridges that connect Hilton Head to the mainland. Homes on this enchanting street enjoy exceptional waterway views of Pinckney Island.... More On This Community
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Woodbridge: Woodbridge
Woodbridge is a community of 386 homes designed for families of all age. It is distinguished by a distinctive wooden bridge that leads you into this collection of distinctive neighborhoods. Woodbridge offers oversized homesites with lagoon or wooded... More On This Community
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