History & Heritage

Hilton Head Island’s natural beauty has beckoned globetrotters for centuries. Thanks to the foresight of early land planners, those same pristine vistas await today’s explorers.

2000 B.C. – 1400 A.D.

Remnants of oyster shells discarded by Native Americans can be found in present-day Sea Pines Forest Preserve and the Green’s Shell Ring Enclosure Heritage Preserve.

1775 – 1783

The Revolutionary War: Hilton Head Islanders sided with colonists and skirmished with the British Loyalists from nearby Daufuskie Island. Four Revolutionary War soldiers are now buried or memorialized at the Zion Cemetery.

NATIVE AMERICAN

1717

Hilton Head Island’s first settler, “Tuscarora Jack” Barnwell, founded Point Place Plantation.

SETTLEMENTS

1790

William Elliot grew the first successful crop of sea island cotton at Myrtle Bank Plantation, formerly Point Place Plantation.

EARLY AMERICAN

1766

Starting in the mid 1700s, West Africans were enslaved and brought to Hilton Head Island to tend rice and cotton fields. By 1766, indigo was the primary crop, and there were 25 plantations on the island.

1861

On April 12, the Civil War began with Confederates firing on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. In November, 12,653 Union troops came ashore on Hilton Head Island, the largest amphibious landing by American forces until WWII.

1862

Arriving on the island to take command of the Department of the South, General Ormsby Mitchel was concerned by the living conditions of former slaves now working at the fort. He set aside land for Mitchelville, America’s first self-governing town of formerly enslaved people.

1868 – 1950

When the Army left, so did the jobs for the Mitchelville citizens. Surviving through fishing and farming, Gullah people, direct descendents from enslaved people, moved from their half-acre Mitchelville lots to other parts of the island.

1889 – 1930

Tracts of land were purchased by private citizens for hunting preserves. In 1912, the Hudson and Toomer families began operating oyster factories.

1950

Lumbermen from Hinesville, Georgia, built sawmills and purchased 8,400 acres on the island to harvest the sea pines.

1950s

Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island’s first planned community, was imagined by Charles Fraser. See page 17 for more information.

MODERN AGE

1956

Byrnes Bridge was constructed to connect the island to the mainland. Hilton Head Inn opened on South Forest Beach. The island’s first grocery store opened at Coligny Plaza.

2022

Hilton Head Island’s permanent population: 40,000. Hilton Head Island’s annual visitors in 2020: 2.61 million. The vacation destination continues to receive accolades for environmental protection, land planning, resort properties, beaches, biking and sports facilities.

1998

Cross Island Parkway was completed linking the north end with the south end.

William Hilton Pkwy

Is land Pkwy s s o r C

Shopping and More

Located in the heart of Sea Pines is an extraordinary shopping and dining opportunity. The Shops at Sea Pines Center is a collection of specialty shops, plus excellent dining, spa, fitness center, real estate information, bike rentals, liquor store, spirits shop and convenience store. Whether you’re looking for an outfit or jewelry for a special occasion, a new beach read, a quick slice of pizza, specialty moonshine, casual to fine dining or coffee and a gelato, The Shops at Sea Pines Center has what you’re looking for. From spring through fall, The Shops at Sea Pines Center hosts a farmers market every Tuesday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Pick up fresh local produce, as well as goods from local artists, crafts, jams, barbecue, kettle corn, baked goods and other treats. For your convenience, Sea Pines’ only gas station is located at the east entrance, and a post office is nestled along the promenade. theshopsatseapinescenter.com • 843.363.5699 F theshopsatseapinescenter d seapinescenter

DINING ON THE DOCKS

South Beach Marina is loaded with tasty island favorites. Whether it’s a quintessential island experience at the legendary Salty Dog Cafe, a hearty breakfast with lofty views at Land’s End Tavern or a slice at Jake’s Pizza, South Beach has options to satisfy everyone. Save room for a sweet, creamy scoop or two of homemade ice cream at Salty Dog Ice Cream. saltydog.com • 843.671.2233 F saltydog d thesaltydogcafe

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Looking for ways to explore South Beach? Book a fishing excursion and get local guidance at Blue Water Tackle Shop. Kayak, paddleboard, jet ski or soar on a parasail with the friendly crew at Island Water Sports. bluewaterhhi.com

FUN FOR ALL AGES

You’ve found the perfect setting for creating vacation memories. Rent a bike at South Beach Bicycle Rentals (843.671.2453) and explore Sea Pines. Stop by South Beach Racquet Club (843.671.2215) for tennis clinics and lessons or join in daily pickleball clinics and round robins. Enjoy nightly live music and children’s entertainment in season (check cal.saltydog.com for schedule.) Get in on the fun with face painting and glitter tattoos to tie-dying a new Salty Dog shirt.

STAY WHERE YOU PLAY

Just steps from the beach, shopping, dining and adventure, South Beach Inn and Vacation Rentals offers the quaint comforts of home with resort-quality amenities. Suites in South Beach as well as villas and condos throughout Sea Pines are available year round and are the perfect place to call home for a week or weekend. sbinn.com • 843.671.6498 F southbeachinnhhi

Harbour Town Adventure

With its never-ending water views and iconic lighthouse in the background, Harbour Town in The Sea Pines Resort is the quintessential Hilton Head Island experience. The relaxed pace, abundance of activities and waterfront setting make for new discoveries and adventure. Shop for unique artwork, surf wear or whimsical decor from a cool boutique. Refresh with waterfront dining at the new Quarterdeck (opening Spring 2022). Climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse and be rewarded with lovely views, then relax in a rocking chair, ice cream cone in hand. Feel those Calibogue Sound breezes while out on a fishing charter, sunset cruise or watersports adventure. Have fun with entertainer Gregg Russell under the Liberty Oak. It’s all a great day of making memories at Harbour Town. experienceharbourtown.com 843.785.3333 F harbourtown d experienceharbourtown

Photo courtesy of The Sea Pines Resort / Rob Tipton