|
Haig Point, Daufuskie Is. | Enlarge
|
|
Front Row L to R:
Tony Simonelli, Andy Mason, Ched Hultman
Back Row:
Tom Beavor , Tom Heffner, Mike Kuss
|
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.
|
|
 |
Mariners Cove Club: Mariners Cove Club
A secluded condominium community, Mariner's Cove Club is situated on the Hilton Head Island side of the bridge. Spectacular sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway are a draw to this community.... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Mariners Cove Club
|
 |
Compass Point: Compass Point
Compass Point in Broad Creek Landing on Hilton Head Island, SC is a townhouse neighborhood situated in an area that has tall pines and boasts calming lagoons and a neighborhood pool. Other boasts include marsh views.... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Compass Point
|
 |
Mill Creek at Cypress Ridge: Mill Creek at Cypress Ridge
Mill Creek is a Lowcountry community nestled in the coastal South Carolina area. Located between Charleston and Savannah, Mill Creek offers homes at competitive rates. Whether you enjoy exercising or relaxing, the multi-million dollar sports complex ... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Mill Creek at Cypress Ridge
|
 |
Indian Springs: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
Indian Springs Villas is a private community located in Hilton Head Plantation on Hilton Head, SC. Hilton Head Plantation is one of Hilton Head's biggest and most age-diverse residential neighborhoods. Spread over 4,000 acres between the Intracoastal... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Indian Springs
|
 |
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
Search Listings By MLS Area: Summerfield
|
 |
Hampton Lake: Hampton Lake
This isn't just America's Best Community. This is Hampton Lake, the most amenities-rich, fun-for-the whole family private community you'll find anywhere. And the perfect home is waiting here just for you.
And there is no need to put your dreams on... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Hampton Lake
|
 |
Bluffton/Off Plantation: Bluffton/Off Plantation
The Town of Bluffton is situated in Beaufort County, the southernmost coastal county in South Carolina. It is situated on a high bluff overlooking the May River, a pristine waterway that has strongly contributed to the Town's history and continued su... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Bluffton/Off Plantation
|
 |
Inverness Village: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Inverness Village is an exclusive private community 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. Inside the gates are 1012 homes and 1470 vi... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: Inverness Village
|
 |
Okatie: Okatie
Okatie SC, situated just north of Bluffton SC and is one of the fastest growing areas in the state of South Carolina. Heading north on Highway 170 towards Beaufort, Okatie has become the address of several new housing developments such as Riverbend a... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: Okatie
|
 |
The Sea Crest: FOREST BEACH
The Sea Crest is a private community situated in the North Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC. The exclusive community offers every convenience imaginable, from under complex parking, 2 oceanside & 1 indoor pools, fitness center, pl... More On This Community
Search Listings By MLS Area: FOREST BEACH
Try Searching Listings Using Keyword: The Sea Crest
|
|
|
|
Loading Data...
Serving Daufuskie Island - Phone: 1-877-437-7290 | Email
| Blog 
