Hilton Head Island Local Info & History

Local Info:

Hilton Head Island is located 95 miles south of historic Charleston on the coast of South Carolina. The first inhabitants of the Island and surrounding areas were Native Americans, who had been established on the Carolina Coast for centuries. In the mid 1600's French and English Settlers began to establish settlements around Hilton Head Island. In 1776, only 25 families lived on the Island that is now known as Hilton Head. It wasn't, however, until 1951 that electricity was brought to Hilton Head. In 1960 the first telephone was introduced to the island. With technology making Hilton Head more easily accessible and convenient for travel, the population grew from 2,500 in 1970 to 39,000 by 2006!

Hilton Head Island, SC is continually growing in popularity for vacationers from all over. An estimated 2,000,000 people visited Hilton Head Island, SC during the 2007 year, and more are expected in 2008. Hilton Head boasts twelve miles of wide, sandy beaches, 20 public golf courses, and 300 tennis courts. Among golfing and tennis, visitors come to Hilton Head to fish, bicycle, shop, and enjoy the decadent coastal southern cuisine.

History:

The history of Hilton Head Island is long and rich, beginning over 10,000 years ago with Native Americans taking advantage of the bountiful waters and fertile soil of the coastal islands. Written history begins in the early 1500s as Spaniards landed on the island while exploring the Florida coast. It wasn't until 1663, when the England's King Charles II granted the land to several Lords that it became known as Carolina.

The Revolutionary War brought destruction to Hilton Head Island, but a prosperous growth after the war contributed to South Carolina's reputation as one of the wealthiest states by the time the Civil War arrived in April of 1861. By November of that same year the Yankees had taken control of the island and freed thousands of slaves. As the war ended and troops went home, the freed slaves were the only inhabitants of the island and the traditions and customs of the rich Gullah culture we see today were born.

In 1956, developer Charles Fraser bought up much of Hilton Head and created Sea Pines Plantation, the first planned community. His ideas for eco-friendly building are still utilized today and have made Hilton Head Island an inspiration for many other communities. The majority of the island's residents live in gated neighborhoods, or plantations. Although most dining, shopping, and beaches are located outside of the plantations, access passes are available for those who wish to visit the private golf and racquet clubs.

Considering the vast history of the island and surrounding areas, things have certainly changed in the past few centuries. Thankfully, the natives and local residents of the area continually strive to preserve and celebrate the history and culture of Hilton Head Island.