Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Island History and General Information
Welcome to Hilton Head Island, the largest of the ocean-barrier sea islands on the South Carolina coast. Now a resort and residential community, Hilton Head Island has had a long  of transformations.

Europeans first set foot here 500 years ago. For centuries prior, native Americans lived peacefully
on the shores and in the forests of this beautiful sea island. The Indians left behind few traces of their civilization, although remnants of their circular dwelling areas can still be found in places such as the Indian Shell Ring in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. In fact, archaeological evidence such as this suggests that the island was inhabited as early as 1450 B.C

This lovely island, now distinguished by first-class resort communities, luxury hotels, villas and other accommodations, outstanding restaurants and top-rated golf courses, was once the site of vast cotton plantations. Until 1956, when the first bridge was built, the only way to get to the island was by boat. There were no paved roads, gasoline stations, shopping centers, restaurants, golf courses, hotels or villas. There were neither a telephone system nor an electric power transmission line.

Following the Civil War occupation, the island was, for all intents and purposes, stuck in a time warp, covered in pine trees, and inhabited by alligators, birds, deer and a few families whose ancestors harked back to the days of slavery on the island's antebellum cotton plantations. The cotton plantations have been replaced by resort and retirement communities, but shades of Hilton Head's past live on. Hilton Head Island has had a thriving African-American Gullah Community since the 1800s. The Museum of Hilton Head Island is an entertaining source of information for visitors interested in learning more about the island's history.

Hilton Head's landscape speaks eloquently of unspoiled nature
and of an older, rural era. Imagine enjoying all the elegance and convenience of a modern, world-class resort amidst the wild, awe-inspiring beauty of a maritime forest.

The island is blessed with abundant and varied flora and fauna. More than 250 species of birds return to the island each year and in some places the trees grow right up to the beach-line. Indeed, the island is notable for its beautiful tall pines, magnolias, oaks, and the unmistakable Palmetto, which is so important in the history of South Carolina that it was made the state tree, and its image placed on the state flag.

To many, the outline of Hilton Head Island resembles a shoe cast up on the beach. The island is approximately
12 miles long and 5 miles wide, encompassing 42 square miles of territory. The beach is wide and extends almost the entire length of the island.

Unlike most communities, there is no town center on Hilton Head Island. Due to the course of the island's modern development and growth, you will be hard pressed to identify a nucleus of public and private buildings such as town hall, the library, the post office and shops that are universally identified as a town center.

Hilton Head Island - Activities & Attractions During the month of May, Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry celebrate the ... the History Time-line Exhibit and museum store, plus 11 different tours and

Hilton Head sightseeing tours-Savannah-Beaufort-Red Trolley HILTON HEAD ISLAND TROLLEY TOUR. Learn the history of this barrier island and the coastal, natural environment including the salt marshes

Coastal Discovery Museum ~ Hilton Head Island SC Coastal Discovery Museum ~ Hilton Head Island SC offering , tours, educational programs, ... volunteer, Hilton head history, sea island timeline and more!