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A Brief History
The history of Hilton Head is chuck-full of contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal occupation 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 large slave plantations, but they were treated with respect here and in other parts of the region, leading to a unique culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest chapter 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. 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 well-known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head occurs in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. In the 1520s, both France and Spain colonized the region, with Spain eventually winning control of the area. England later took command 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 well-known today. He was attempting to find Port Royal’s entrance when he came across the island, and he and his men were affected with the air, the water, the exceptional quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands observed 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 rather 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 numerous raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and fortune in the history of Hilton Head Island. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this wealth, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were given a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific assignment to complete each day, after which they were free to go home. It was up to them how to fulfill the chore, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their projects. Along with the unique 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 closing of the Civil War, during almost the whole of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head started 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 developed 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 Island firmly into the modern era as the relaxing resort destination we experience today.
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Ocean Dunes Villas: FOREST BEACH
Ocean Dunes Villas is a private ocean side community located in South Forest Beach 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 ... More On This Community
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Melrose: DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
Melrose derives its name from the rose brought to Daufuskie from Scotland by Captain Mongin. In Melrose you'll find a combination of single family residences, oceanfront villas, and low rise condominiums all in the Lowcountry tradition. The active ... More On This Community
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Hampton Pointe: HAMPTON POINTE
Hampton Pointe is Bluffton's newest private country club community situated in a serene setting of woodlands, lakes, and lagoons less than 15 minutes from Hilton Head Island. Created by Toll Brothers, developer of Hampton Hall and the nation's premie... More On This Community
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Hidden Lakes: Hidden Lakes
Located on Simmonsville Road in Bluffton, Hidden Lakes consists of 187 homes. Homes range in size and floor plan up to two stories and four bedrooms. Along with spacious and comfortable homes, Hidden Lakes features a community pool, a community pavil... More On This Community
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Okatie Park: Okatie
At just over 100 homes Okatie Park the neighborhood features several parks, play fields, lagoons and a storage area for owners boats and RV's. Okatie Park is close to not only the local elementary school but also Okatie Regional Park as well. TSG... 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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South Pointe: South Pointe
South Pointe is located in Bluffton, just one mile from the bridge to Hilton Head. These 50 homes are on a gorgous peninsula enveloped by holes six to nine of Old South Golf Links. Special golf memberships are available to residents. Privacy and secu... More On This Community
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Devonshire: PORT ROYAL
Devonshire at Port Royal Village on Hilton Head Island, SC is gorgeously nestled in a heavily treed and maintained plantation environment which includes two 18 hole championship quality golf courses and multi-surface tennis courts. From your Devonshi... More On This Community
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Ketch Court: SEA PINES
Ketch Court Villas is on the banks of Harbour Town Marina 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 r... More On This Community
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Long Cove: Long Cove
Long Cove Club is found between Yacht Cove and Wexford Plantation as you approach the island’s south end. There are 569 homes within this community. Recognized by Golf Digest magazine as the number one course in South Carolina for 10 consecutive year... More On This Community
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