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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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Brighton Oaks: Brighton Oaks
Brighton Oaks is a very affordable family oriented neighborhood with small-town flavor, picket fences, and front porches. Brighton Oaks is just three blocks from Brighton Beach Boat Launch and "All Joy Beach" on the May River in Bluffton.... More On This Community
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Colleton River: Colleton River
Colleton River is located approximately two miles from the bridge to Hilton Head Island. This high-end community offers two ranked golf courses and wonderful views of the Colleton River. Roads wind two-and-a-half miles through the South Carolina Natu... More On This Community
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Alston Park: Alston Park
Alston Park is a beautifully landscaped and well planned community of single family homes centered around an expansive park. Alston Park offers proximity to Hilton Head Island and Savannah.... More On This Community
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Summerfield: Summerfield
The Villas of Summerfield is a private community situated 1/4 mile from the Cross Island Expressway and a five-minute drive from the Sea Pines Circle on Hilton Head Island, SC. Low-density units are arranged around a central lagoon, and each unit bo... More On This Community
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Turtle Lane Club Villas: SEA PINES
Turtle Lane Club Villas is an exclusive private community 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 biggest residential and r... 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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Harbourside I: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Harbourside I Villas is situated in Shelter Cove Harbour on Hilton Head Island, SC. Shelter Cove Harbour is the largest deepwater marina on Hilton Head Island. It encloses the end of Broad Creek at the island's center across Highway 278 from the ent... More On This Community
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Harbourwood Villas: SEA PINES
Harbourwood Villas is a private community 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 largest residential and resort ... More On This Community
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Fazio Villas: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Fazio Villas, a private community, is situated in Palmetto Dunes Resorts on Hilton Head, SC. This popular resort and residential community is situated mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes and 1470 villas, three m... More On This Community
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