The scope of Hilton Head history covers an amazing past that dates back as far as 10,000-15,000 years! At this time, the land known as the Low Country was the home of roaming Paleo-Indian tribes.
Hilton Head history is just one of the main reasons people return to visit as they learn more about the land and the intriguing island, which offers some of the most beautiful sunsets and natural habitats in the world.
Between 8,000 and 2,000 B.C., seasonal tribes of Woodland Indians came to the island to live. This occurred in the fall and winter, when the weather was much cooler up north. The favorable conditions of the waterways mixed with the fertile soil made the land ideal for the seasonal migration.
To this day, there are Shell Ring sites, which date back to this period, which was known as the Archaic Period.
While it is known that the island had been inhabited since before the Archaic Period, the true, written history of Hilton Head Island did not begin until the 1500’s. In 1526, explorers from Spain headed up the eastern coast.
These travelers checked out every part of the coast from as far south as Key West, all the way up to the St. Lawrence River. All of this land was named, La Florida, by the Spanish.
Along the coast, there were signs of life, which were that of the Native American tribes in the region. These tribes had cultivated the earth, as the Spanish were sure to note that they had seen signs of agriculture.
Then came change. As was true throughout the country, Hilton Head history reflected the same scenario - Native Americans fled the region. This was due to European occupancy. The European settlers were abusive and brought disease with them, which killed off many.
However, the impact these tribes had on the land is clear thanks to the many archeological treasures that have been discovered on and near Hilton Head Island.
In 1562, a French expedition led by Huguenot Captain Jean Ribaut landed on the island of Hilton Head, Parris Island, and traveled across the waterways to the mainland.
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It was not long before Ribaut had built a fort on the coast. This fort was named Port Royall and the location of the fort was near the present day city of Port Royal, South Carolina.
The Spanish were not very happy about the French coming and taking over La Florida. In fact, by 1566, they had built their own fort on Parris Island, known as Santa Elena. It was here where the Spanish first headed west as they began to explore how far west the land spread.
(Hilton Head History continues below)
Hilton Head History: The Indians Give Way to Europeans
