|
|
Hilton Head Island History Overview
The history of Hilton Head is immersed in interesting contradictions. On the one side, 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 fairly 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 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 ruthless 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 referred to as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island happens in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. In the 1520s, both France and Spain occupied 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 accredited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is acknowledged today. He was trying 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 high quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands discovered 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 fairly 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 regular raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a time of relative peace and abundance in the history of Hilton Head. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this good fortune, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were granted a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific chore to conclude 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 outline over the years, the Gullah people were and are an important part of the history of Hilton Head. They became free at the conclusion of the Civil War, during almost the whole 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 wonderful deal of respect for nature and developed recreational amenities first, such as bike paths, tennis courts, and golf courses. Housing and hotels came later, 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 lovely resort destination we recognize today.
|
|
 |
Eagles Pointe: Eagles Pointe
The community of Eagles Point is on Hwy 278, approximately eight miles past the Hilton Head Island bridge. The golf course was designed by Davis Love III. The swimming pool has a junior Olympic pool, picnic area, fireplace, changing rooms, and more. ... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Eagles Pointe
|
 |
Coligny Villas: FOREST BEACH
Coligny Villas is conveniently located within one minute of the beach, shopping, and restaurants in the North Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC. Another of the island's oldest beach communities, North Forest Beach is steps away from... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: FOREST BEACH
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Coligny Villas
|
 |
May River: May River
No Description... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: May River
|
 |
Stones Throw: FOLLY FIELD
Stones Throw Villas is a private community minutes from the beach located in the Folly Field neighborhood on Hilton Head Island Island Island, SC. One of Hilton Head Island Island's older beach communities, this mid-island neighborhood is close to F... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: FOLLY FIELD
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Stones Throw
|
 |
Beachside Tennis: SEA PINES
Beach Side Tennis Villas is inside 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 spanning 5,200 acre... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: SEA PINES
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Beachside Tennis
|
 |
Ocean Course Villas: SEA PINES
Ocean Course Villas is a private community within walking distance to beach located 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... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: SEA PINES
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Ocean Course Villas
|
 |
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
Search Listings By MLS Area: The Spa on Port Royal Sound
|
 |
Inland Harbour: SEA PINES
Inland Harbour is a private community situated in Sea Pines on Hilton Head, 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 plantations... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: SEA PINES
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Inland Harbour
|
 |
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
Search Listings By MLS Area: FOREST BEACH
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: The Sea Crest
|
 |
Peregrine Pointe: Peregrine Pointe
Peregrine Point is a marshfront, gated development with 29 homesites, including five marshfront homes with panoramic views of Broad Creek and Shelter Cove. A community dock is available for residents.... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Peregrine Pointe
|
|
|
|
Loading Data...
