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The History of Hilton Head
The history of Hilton Head is full of contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal tenantry by Native Americans. On the other hand, the town of Hilton Head Island was incorporated to a certain extent recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head 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 rigorous 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 next recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island presents itself in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under debate. In the 1520s, both France and Spain settled 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 accredited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head as it is recognized today. He was aiming to find Port Royal’s entrance when he came across the island, and he and his men were very impressed with the air, the water, the excellence of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noticed 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 supported the colonists during the Revolutionary War, leading to recurrent raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and well-being in the history of Hilton Head. A distinct slave culture made a great contribution to this wealth, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were granted 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 conclude the project, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their tasks. Along with the unique Gullah language and traditions which took form 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 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 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 Island steadily into the modern era as the exquisite resort destination we know today.
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Allenwood: Allenwood
Allenwood is a neighborhood located off of Gum Tree Road on Hilton Head Island. This community consists of 156 homes and is within walking or biking distance of the Hilton Head Island Public Schools, the Island Recreation Center, The Boys and Girls C... More On This Community
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Spring Island: Okatie
Spring Island offers the wonderful combination of beauty and easy living that defines the lowcountry lifestyle. Fishing, Crabbing, or finding oysters, can be followed by a round of golf on their world-class course. Maybe you can enjoy a night of cham... More On This Community
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Fernlakes: Fernlakes
Fernlakes is on Burnt Church Road, just off of Highway 278 in Bluffton. This community has a distinctive three-mile long lake waterway for fishing and boating, along with a neighborhood pool and playground.... More On This Community
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Cordillo Courts: FOREST BEACH
Cordillo Courts is located in South Forest Beach on Hilton Head, 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 shopping found along South Forest Beach ... More On This Community
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Old House Creek: Old House Creek
The quiet neighborhood just off Spanish Wells Road offers a family friendly environment and close proximity to the Cross Island Parkway-offering easy access to both the north and south ends of Hilton Head Island Island.... 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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Wellstone: Wellstone
Wellstone at Bluffton is a superior built neighborhood of 108 townhomes. The 1,500 to 1,800 square foot townhomes are 3 bedrooms with 2 and ½ baths with an attached single car garage. Amenities abound with a clubhouse, fitness center, playground, wal... More On This Community
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River Club: INDIGO RUN
The River Club is a private, gated community found along the deep waterfront of Broad Creek. Such a location presents the owners of each of its 50 homesites with magnificent marsh and water views and enables them to build their own private backyard d... More On This Community
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Ocean Cove Club: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Ocean Cove Villas is luxurious community with in steps to the beach and to all the amenities situated in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island, SC. This popular resort and residential community is situated mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. I... More On This Community
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