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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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Hilton Head Island History Overview
The history of Hilton Head is immersed in interesting contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal tenantry by Native Americans. On the other side, the town of Hilton Head was incorporated fairly 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 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 referred to as the Indian Shell Ring.
The following recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island happens in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. In the 1520s, both France and Spain occupied 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 accredited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is acknowledged today. He was trying 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 high quality of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands discovered 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 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 regular raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a time of relative peace and abundance in the history of Hilton Head. A distinct slave culture made a huge contribution to this good fortune, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were granted a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific chore to conclude each day, after which they were free to go home. It was up to them how to finish the assignment, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their chores. Along with the distinct 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. They became free at the conclusion of the Civil War, during almost the whole 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 wonderful deal of respect for nature and developed 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 steadily into the modern era as the lovely resort destination we recognize today.
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The Residences at Bluffton Village: The Residences at Bluffton Village The Residences at Bluffton Village is a townhome community situated in downtown Bluffton, South Carolina. With some lagoon views, this community is within walking distance of the Bluffton Library, Bluffton Post Office, shops, small businesses, and r... More On This Community
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Pine Forest Village: Pine Forest Village Pine Forest Village boasts the safety of streetlights throughout the community, a playground area, and picnic grounds with a pool complex. With 117 single family homes, this is well-situated to Hilton Head, Bluffton schools, and shopping.... More On This Community
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Arborwood: Arborwood Arborwood by CraftBuilt Homes is a community on Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton, South Carolina, which is reasonably priced.... More On This Community
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Fairwood Villas: SEA PINES Fairwood Villas is a 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 largest residential and resort plantations ... More On This Community
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Riverbend: Riverbend Riverbend is situated amongst marshy grasses and offers river views to an adult community of 200 homes. Riverbend provides access to all the fantastic amenities of Sun City that begins with two 18-hole golf courses, a driving range, putting green, an... 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 unique three-mile long lake waterway for fishing and boating, along with a neighborhood pool and playground.... More On This Community
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The Preserve at Indigo Run: INDIGO RUN The Preserve at lndigo Run is a group of 252 villas situated near the entrance to Indigo Run, off Highway 278. Each house-style villa consists of six units ranging in floor plans and size, complete with private entrances and patios or balconies. The ... More On This Community
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The Moorings: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE The Moorings Villas is an exclusive community with great beach access 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 an... More On This Community
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Okatie Park: Okatie At just over 100 homes Okatie Park the neighborhood features several parks, play fields, lagoons and a storage area for owners boats and RV's. Okatie Park is close to not only the local elementary school but also Okatie Regional Park as well. TSG... More On This Community
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