
What is the 2nd largest Barrier Island on the East Coast of the United States?
That is Hilton Head Island. It is 12 miles long and 5 miles wide and is located in the Southeastern part (Beaufort County) of South Carolina.
Hilton Head Island Glorious Past
The history of Hilton Head Island began with the Spaniards in 1526, as they explored the coastal waters from Key West to the St. Lawrence, naming it “La Florida”. There they found Indian settlements and the evidence of Indian agriculture. Captain Jean Ribaut, a French Huguenot, led an exposition to the area in 1562. He built a fort, named Port Royall near the present town of Port Royal in Beaufort County.
In 1566, the Spanish established a Fort named Santa Elena on Paris Island ( St. Helena ), in what is now Beaufort County. From here they explored westward into the new world.
In year 1663, English Captain William Hilton was exploring the Port Royal Sound and found the high bluffs of the Island, and named it for himself, “Hilton Head.” The word “Head” refers to the headlands visible to them as they sailed the uncharted waters. He lingered several days, making note of the trees, crops, and also the sweet water and clear sweet air.
The first English development in the Low Country began in 1698. Indian attacks, sponsored by the Spanish, continued to harrass the settlers in the area.
In 1717, Col. John Barnwell was granted a thousand acres on the NW corner of Hilton Head Island by the Lord Proprietors. He became the first white settler. By 1766, 25 families lived on Hilton Head Island.
In 1742 the SC colonial half-galley Beaufort, commanded by Captain David Cutler Braddock, was stationed in the cove at the southern point of the Island to guard against Spanish intrusions. The point and the cove have carried the name Braddock ever since.
Modernization of Hilton Head Island
- 1951 electricity arrived
- 1960 the first telephone was installed
- dirt roads gave way to paved ones
- beautiful bridges replaced Ferry boats
- the Island Residential Plantations were developed
- 1970 a rapid growth and the population has grown from 2,500 then to some 39,000 in 2006.
- In 1970 the birth of The Island Packet daily Newspaper
- 1975 the Island Hospital was built
Today, Hilton Head Island continues to offer travellers and residents the natural beauty of the Atlantic Ocean beaches. Hilton Head rentals are well cater to all explorer and sea lovers. Plan your tours in advance and don’t miss out all the places of interest in the island especially the wonderful beaches.
Check it out the following public beaches:-
- Alder Lan Beach
- Coligny Beack Park
- Fish Haul Park
- Driessen Beach Park
- Burkes Beach
- Folly Field Beach Park
- Islanders Beach Park
Where to stay?
Hotels, Inns and Resorts
- Marriott Resort & Spa
- Sea Pines Resort
- The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
- Main Street Inn & Spa
What to see & do?
- Harbour Town Lighthouse – shopping, waterfront dining, horseback riding
- Shelter Core Harbour – fireworks, shopping, kayaking, sailing
- Coastal Discovery Musuem – exhibitions
- Island Playground – indoor playground for children
- The Soundbox – interactive musuem