Hilton Head Island History – Old and New

Hilton Head Island History – Old and New

Hilton Head Island history is an unusual mix of both old and new.  Modern Hilton Head Island history began in the 1950s, but the island’s true history dates back to at least the Woodland Indians who used the land during the fall and winter.  It continues on to colonization, the American Revolution, and the Civil War, followed by a period of minimal activity until modern development began in the second half of the twentieth century. 

Early Hilton Head Island history began with a group of Native Americans who would escape the harsh falls and winters of the north by going to the region.  The Indian Shell Ring in Sea Pines is the best-preserved piece of evidence of their occupation.  It is a mount of oyster shells, clay, and animal bones which dates back to 1450 B.C. 

The 1520s saw the arrival of both Spain and France to the region, which ultimately went to Spain.  They didn’t maintain control for long, as England would later take over the region.  Englishman William Hilton discovered the island itself in 1663 while attempting to find the entrance to Port Royal.  He was so impressed that he and his crew observed the island and reported their findings.  The island was named Hilton Head in his honor, with “Head” being a reference to the headlands his crew observed.  Hilton Head Island was first colonized by the English in 1698, but population growth was initially slow. 

Hilton Head Island history took a turn for the worse during the American Revolution because residents were supportive of the Colonists.  They therefore became subject to frequent raids by the British, lasting even beyond the surrender by Cornwallis.  During the relatively peaceful time that followed, Hilton Head’s plantations thrived with the help of the Gullah slave culture.  The Gullah people in the region took greater pride in themselves and their work than most slaves, which many historians attribute to the task system of slave labor.  Rather than directly pushing slaves to keep working, Gullah slaves were assigned a task.  Once they finished, they could return home until the next day.  This created a greater sense of work ownership and independence, something which can be found in the best work cultures even today.  The Gullah people also developed a unique language and culture which continue to be used and celebrated today. 

The second major war to negatively affect Hilton Head Island history was the Civil War, with Union Troops occupying the island soon after the war began.  As a result of the war, the Gullah slaves were freed and were the only inhabitants on the island until 1890.    After years of use primarily for hunting and timber, Hilton Head Island’s history joined the modern world when electricity was introduced in 1951.  Charles Fraser and a group of investors began creating amenities such as tennis courts, golf courses, and bike paths, with real estate development built around these amenities rather than vice versa.  This development model was the basis for the entire development of the island, leading to the modern resort that is Hilton Head Island today.