Cultural Tennis Historic Watersports Hilton Head History Hilton Head, SC, the largest barrier island along the coast of South Carolina, has been the site of numerous evolutions in history dating back to ancient times. Over 400 thousand years ago, the current island location was 400 feet below the surface of the sea, the ancient coast was situated over 150 miles further west near present-day Columbia. Human occupation of the island goes back thousands of years, as to when the first inhabitants came to these shores is anyone’s guess. However, one of the earliest archeological sites dates back to 1450 BC, an Indian Shell Ring located in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve provides evidence of native peoples inhabiting the area over 3000 years ago. Compiled of possible refuse from the ancient populations food consumption, the 150 foot diameter ring is composed mainly of oyster, clam and mussel shells, but also contains bones from raccoon, deer, bear and fish. The layered depth of the ring suggests native inhabitation was active on the island over an extended period. In 1521 the Spanish arrived in Port Royal Sound and established a new capital city, Santa Elena on nearby Parris Island as part of their Florida colony. The Spanish claims for “Florida” extended as far north as Virginia. After 20 years of Indian uprisings, the Spanish consolidated their Florida holdings by abandoning Santa Elena and moving southward. Before the settlement of Santa Elena, the French had founded Charlesfort also on Parris Island, but prior Spanish claims and probable hostilities eventually compelled the French to leave the region. In 1663, English sea captain William Hilton came to the area, in search of land for a group of planters who wished to plant sugar cane and indigo. Hilton was greeted by Spanish speaking natives, the Yemassee tribe inhabited the island, having been forced northward out of Florida by the Spanish about one hundred years earlier. Hilton claimed the island and adjacent lands for the English crown, forcing the Spanish to vacate any claims to the area. The island of Hilton Head was named in William’s honor. By the time of the Civil War, there were 24 plantations on the island. Most landowners resided in the cities of Charleston or Savannah or lived inland because of the heat and humid conditions. Overseers and slaves lived on the island and tended the cotton, rice, sugar cane and indigo. In November of 1861, Federal troops landed on Hilton Head and held the island and nearby Beaufort throughout the war. In 1862, troops, prisoners, missionaries and freed slaves swelled the island population to over 40,000. The Federals abandoned the island in 1868 and the population dwindled, especially after the remaining cotton farm were devastated by the boll weevil. Most of those who remained were former slaves who tended their own small farms and supplemented their needs by fishing and hunting. Their African-American Gullah culture continues to the present, as a vibrant living legacy that remains a part of Hilton Head’s activity. The island economy survived Prohibition and the Great Depression with income derived from moonshine. It wasn’t until the 1950s that electricity came to Hilton Head. Along with electricity came a two-lane swing bridge connecting the island to the mainland. While preserving the natural character of the island, Charles Fraser began the first of the “plantation” developments, Sea Pines Plantation. Fraser even built a “lighthouse” to attract boaters to Harbour Town which eventually came to frame the view of the adjacent 18th hole of Harbour Town Golf Links, home of the PGA’s Heritage Golf Classic, a local attraction since 1969. The two-lane bridge was replaced by the present four-lane bridge in 1982, the Cross Island Parkway opened in 2001 to speed access towards the “toe” of Hilton Head, alleviating traffic during peak season. Visitors today will not find a major city on Hilton Head, instead four “plantation” communities portion the island, each is beautifully situated to take advantage of the natural endowments the island offers. Hilton Head has become a center for championship golf, professional and college tennis, a nature preserve as well as an ideal beach location for families. Shopping is another major attraction that has most recently made its mark on the island and nearby surrounding areas. Ultimately, Hilton Head is a choice destination for vacationers who appreciate the attention to and preservation of natures details. It is a place which pays homage to the past while keeping a careful eye open toward a bright and promising future. Reserve Early...while your preferred accommodations are still available.