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History Overview
The history of Hilton Head is full of subtle contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal habitation 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 significant slave plantations, but they were treated with respect here and in other parts of the region, leading to a strking culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest installment 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. 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 known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The subsequent recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island occurs in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under conflict. In the 1520s, both France and Spain settled the region, with Spain eventually winning control of the area. England later took hold 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 recognized today. He was looking 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 level of quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noted 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 relatively 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 repeated raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and prosperity in the history of Hilton Head. A unique slave culture made a great contribution to this fortune, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were given a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a particular project to fulfill each day, after which they were able 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 projects. Along with the distinctive 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 ending of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head Island 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 outstanding deal of respect for nature and engineered 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 steadfastly into the modern era as the beautiful resort destination we experience today.
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Centrecourt: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Centrecourt Villas is located in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island, SC. This popular resort and residential community is located mid-island on 1,800 well-preserved acres. Inside the gates are 1012 homes and 1470 villas, three miles of world-famou... More On This Community
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Spanish Wells: SPANISH WELLS
When Spanish explorers first landed on Hilton Head Island, they landed in the future home of the Spanish Wells community. Although it is a private community, it is perfect for those who want to getaway from their busy schedules and get away from it ... More On This Community
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Fiddlers Cove: FOLLY FIELD
Fiddlers Cove Villas a private community, is located in the Folly Field neighborhood on Hilton Head, SC. One of Hilton Head's older beach communities, this mid-island neighborhood is close to Folly Field beach and the Islanders’ Beach Park. The park... More On This Community
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Somerset: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Somerset Villas is an exclusive beachfront community situated in Palmetto Dunes, 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, and three miles... More On This Community
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Port Royal: PORT ROYAL
The Port Royal Community is home to the original landing site of William Hilton, the explorer the island is named after. This community is a private residential community famous for its peaceful, preserved natural environment and plentiful amenities... More On This Community
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Beachfield: Oak Ridge
Beachfield on Daufuskie Island will have 121 home-sites, 61 of these have now been released on the market. Beachfield has frontage along the Atlantic Ocean and will have over 7 acres of lakes throughout the new neighborhood.
There is private access... More On This Community
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Inland Harbour: SEA PINES
Inland Harbour is a private community situated in Sea Pines on Hilton Head, 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 plantations... More On This Community
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Little Cove Cottages: Little Cove Cottages
Little Cove is a small private community on the banks of Broad Creek River on Hilton Head, SC.... More On This Community
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Indian Springs: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
Indian Springs Villas is a private community situated in Hilton Head Plantation on Hilton Head, SC. Hilton Head Plantation is one of Hilton Head's largest and most age-diverse residential neighborhoods. Spread over 4,000 acres between the Intracoasta... More On This Community
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