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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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Club Course Villas: SEA PINES
Club Course Villas is located in the Club Course neighborhood 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 biggest residential and res... More On This Community
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Breakers: FOREST BEACH
Breakers Villas is in the North Forest Beach area of 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 entertainment opportunities of Coli... More On This Community
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Tennismaster: SHIPYARD
Tennismaster is a privte community and one of the closest communities to the beach located in Shipyard Plantation on Hilton Head, SC. Shipyard Plantation stretches across over 800 wooded and fairway-lined acres off Highway 278, between Palmetto Dune... More On This Community
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Folly Field: FOLLY FIELD
One of Hilton Head Island's older beach communities, this mid-island neighborhood is close to Folly Field beach and the Islanders’ Beach Park. The park allows car parking only for autos with an islanders’ beach parking permit and features a playgroun... More On This Community
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Riverbend: Riverbend
Riverbend is situated amongst marshy grasses and offers river views to an adult community of 200 homes. Riverbend provides access to all the fantastic amenities of Sun City that begins with two 18-hole golf courses, a driving range, putting green, an... More On This Community
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Hamilton at Shipyard: SHIPYARD
Hamilton Villas is a private community located in Shipyard Plantation on Hilton Head, SC. Shipyard Plantation stretches across over 800 wooded and fairway-lined acres off Highway 278, between Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines. Shipyard offers residentia... More On This Community
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Windmill Harbour: WINDMILL HARBOUR
After crossing the bridge onto Hilton Head, the community of Windmill Harbour is visible on the right side of Highway 278, along the Intracoastal Waterway. Windmill Harbour is the ideal destination for boating and water sports enthusiasts, offering d... More On This Community
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A Place at the Beach: FOREST BEACH
A Place at the Beach is a gorgous luxury complex situated in the Forest Beach area. It is at the beach and is convenient to all the restaurants and shops of Coligny Plaza.... More On This Community
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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
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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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