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Enthusiasm, energy and a love for Hilton Head Island - its people and lifestyle - are evident in every area of Jacque Johnson's life. Read More.
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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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The Townes at Buckwalter: The Townes at Buckwalter
Portrait Homes' newest community in the Bluffton area, the Townes at Buckwalter offers low maintenance living for residents who enjoy gorgous grounds with walking and bicycle paths, a pond, a pool, and a clubhouse.... More On This Community
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Shelter Cove Harbour: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
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 entrance to Palmetto Dunes Plantation. Shelter Cove is a major tourist attraction, and i... More On This Community
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Moss Creek: MOSS CREEK
This private country club known as Moss Creek Plantation has more than 1,000 homes and 70 villas with marsh views, deepwater opportunities, and boasts two championship Tom Fazio golf courses. Located just minutes from the Hilton Head Bridge, Moss Cre... 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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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
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Berkeley Hall: BERKELEY HALL
Berkeley Hall is a 960-acre, private golf club community on the Okatie River. This community is approximately seven miles west of Hilton Head. It has two Tom Fazio core golf courses, members enjoy "pure" golf, without the interruption of interior st... More On This Community
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Rivers End: Rivers End
Rivers End is in a location that is easily accessible to Bluffton and Beaufort, SC. and offers spacious homes at affordable prices. All homes have builder upgrades including 2 car garages, fireplaces, Kenmore appliances, and oak cabinets.... More On This Community
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Port Royal Village: PORT ROYAL
Port Royal Village on Hilton Head Island, SC is beautifully snuggled 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,... More On This Community
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