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Daufuskie Island's Haig Point | Enlarge
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About Hilton Head History
The history of Hilton Head Island is full of interesting contradictions. On the one hand, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal occupation by Native Americans. On the other side, the town of Hilton Head 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 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 well-known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head occurs in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under dispute. 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 credited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head as it is acknowledged today. He was attempting 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 exceptional quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noticed 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 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 common raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and growth in the history of Hilton Head Island. A unique slave culture made a considerable contribution to this wealth, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were accustomed to a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a certain assignment to conclude each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to complete the task, 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. They became free at the ending 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 Island, led a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a excellent deal of respect for nature and engineered 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 Island inexorably into the modern era as the exquisite resort destination we know well today.
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Sailmaster: SHIPYARD
Sailmaster is a private townhome community located in Shipyard 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 residential living... 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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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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Abbington: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Abbington villas are an Island favorite. They are located directly across the street from the beach and offer views of the 11 mile lagoon system. The villas have modern designs with vaulted ceilings. In addition, they are open, airy, have a lot of g... More On This Community
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Golfmaster: SHIPYARD
Golfmaster is a private community located in Shipyard on Hilton Head Island, SC. Shipyard Plantation stretches across over 800 wooded and fairway-lined acres off Highway 278, between Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines. Shipyard offers residential living a... More On This Community
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South Beach: Sea Pines
At the very southern most tip of Hilton Head Island Island Island, deep in the Sea Pines Resort, is a quaint area called South Beach. It is the beach area between Bald Eagle and Lands End. This is where the Calibogue Sound meets the Atlantic Ocean. T... More On This Community
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North Forest Beach: Forest Beach
Another of Hilton Head Island's oldest beach communities, North Forest Beach is steps away from both the Atlantic and the shopping opportunities of Coligny Plaza.... 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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