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The Island's 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 appropriation 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 Island involves large slave plantations, but they were treated with respect here and in other parts of the region, leading to a distinctive culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the tough fall and winter seasons further north by coming to the island. Substantiation 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 following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head comes about in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under dispute. In the 1520s, both France and Spain occupied 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 attributed with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is identified today. He was trying 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 high quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noted 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 time of relative peace and wealth in the history of Hilton Head Island. A unique slave culture made a sizable contribution to this well-being, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were provided a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a certain task to finish each day, after which they were free 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 assignments. Along with the distinctive 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. They became free at the closing of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head Island set out 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, led a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a amazing deal of respect for nature and engineered 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 stunning resort destination we recognize today.
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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 largest residential and resort plantations on Hilton Head spanning 5,200 acre... More On This Community
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South Beach Villas: SEA PINES
South Beach Villas is a private residence in the heart of South Beach 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 larg... More On This Community
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Pine Ridge: Pine Ridge
Pineridge is a community designed with families in mind. Where prices are refreshingly modest, the 310 homes are filled with boasts you would find in a luxury home. Smooth ceilings, name-brand appliances, and full landscaped lots are considered stand... More On This Community
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Main Sail: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Main Sail is located in Shelter Cove Harbour on Hilton Head Island, SC. Shelter Cove Harbour is the biggest deepwater marina on Hilton Head Island. It encloses the end of Broad Creek at the island's center across Highway 278 from the entrance to Pal... More On This Community
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Treetops: FOREST BEACH
Treetops Villas is a private community situated in the South Forest Beach neighborhood 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 ... More On This Community
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Seascape Villas: FOREST BEACH
Seascape Villas is a complex of townhomes that are situated in the South Forest Beach area of Hilton Head Island, SC. An uncommon and generous private beach walkway brings the ocean ever closer to the front door of your villa. A variety of local rest... More On This Community
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Port Royal Village: PORT ROYAL
Port Royal Village on Hilton Head Island, SC is gorgeously nestled in a heavily treed and maintained plantation environment which includes two 18 hold championship quality golf courses and multi-surface tennis courts. From your Devonshire property, y... More On This Community
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Forest Beach: Forest Beach
The Forest Beach area of Hilton Head is a two and a half mile stretch of beach reaching from the Sea Pines Resort ocean gate to the Crown Plaza Resort in Shipyard Plantation. Forest Beach is divided into two sections; South Forest Beach is the one mi... More On This Community
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Point Comfort: Point Comfort
Point Comfort is just a short drive from the Cross Island Parkway, down Point Comfort Road. It is a peaceful neighborhood of 76 homes where children play safely in a park-like common area. Many homes enjoy spectacular marsh views over Broad Creek and... 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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