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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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Yacht Cove: Yacht Cove
Located next to the Shelter Cove area of Palmetto Dunes Planataion the community of Yacht Cove offers single family homes in a lowcountry style. In addition to the single family homes there is the Wyndemere Condo Area and the town homes of Jib Sale C... 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 Sands Village: FOREST BEACH
Sands Village Villas is a private community located in North Forest Beach on Hilton Head Island, SC. Another of the island's oldest beach communities, North Forest Beach is steps away from the Atlantic Ocean and the shopping, dining, and entertainme... More On This Community
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The Spa on Port Royal Sound: The Spa on Port Royal Sound
The Spa on Port Royal Sound on Hilton Head Island is a villa community where one can enjoy sparkling white sand beaches, play tennis on courts surrounded by palmetto trees and tropical plants... Golf on stunning courses that challenge every player fr... More On This Community
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Ocean Course: Sea Pines
The Ocean Course area of Sea Pines is the location of many of the finest oceanfront homes on Hilton Head Island. The first golf course on Hilton Head Island, the Ocean Course is a scenic Oceanside experience and a true resort classic. The course was ... More On This Community
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Palmetto Pointe Townes: Palmetto Pointe Townes
Nestled in a stunning wooded environment, Palmetto Pointe Townes is situated near Historic Bluffton, South Carolina. Just a bike-ride away from the calming flow of the May River, Palmetto Point Townes is in an ideal location. Conveniently situated ne... More On This Community
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Captains Walk: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Captains Walk is situated in Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island, SC. This popular resort and residential community is situated mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes and 1470 villas, three miles of world-f... More On This Community
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Anchorage Point: Anchorage Point
This condominium-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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Fairway Lane: SEA PINES
Fairway Lane Villas a private community is 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 ... More On This Community
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Wexford: Wexford
Wexford Plantation is situated on the south end of Hilton Head Island. This prestigious neighborhood is a sailor’s paradise; and is one of Hilton Head’s premier residential communities. Located on the gentle banks of the Broad Creek, Wexford's cente... More On This Community
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