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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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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.
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Sound Villas: SEA PINES
Sound Villas is a private residencs in the heart of South Beach located 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 biggest residentia... More On This Community
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Tennismaster: SHIPYARD
Tennismaster is a privte community and one of the closest communities to the beach situated in Shipyard Plantation on Hilton Head, SC. Shipyard Plantation stretches across over 800 wooded and fairway-lined acres off Highway 278, between Palmetto Dun... More On This Community
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Beachside Tennis: SEA PINES
Beach Side Tennis Villas is inside Sea Pines. 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 on Hilton Head spanning 5,200 acre... More On This Community
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The Villages at Palmetto Pointe: The Villages at Palmetto Pointe
Come see why the Villages at Palmetto Pointe has become one of Bluffton's most popular communities. Ideally situated between Hilton Head and Savannah, this neighborhood blends the charm of small town living with the convenience of these two premier s... More On This Community
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Forest Cove: Forest Cove
Forest Cove is a private condominium-style neighborhood situated in Broad Creek Landing on Hilton Head, SC. It is secludedly nestled among tall pines and boasts calming lagoons and a community pool. Other boasts include marsh views.... More On This Community
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Spring Island: Okatie
Spring Island offers the wonderful combination of beauty and easy living that defines the lowcountry lifestyle. Fishing, Crabbing, or finding oysters, can be followed by a round of golf on their world-class course. Maybe you can enjoy a night of cham... More On This Community
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Edgefield: Edgefield
Edgefield is a very affordable community with a community pool, playground, soccer area, basketball court and amenity building. Edgefield is located within reasonable walking distance from the Bluffton School.... More On This Community
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Ocean Course: Sea Pines
The Ocean Course area of Sea Pines is the location of many of the finest oceanfront homes on Hilton Head Island. The first golf course on Hilton Head Island, the Ocean Course is a scenic Oceanside experience and a true resort classic. The course was ... More On This Community
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Twin Oaks Villas: SEA PINES
Twin Oaks Villas is an exclusive private community situated in the Harbour Town neighborhood 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 o... More On This Community
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