Around 3,800 years ago, indigenous people occupied the island. Beginning in 1526, Spanish, French, and English colonists attempted to settle the area despite raids. English plantations became established by the mid-18th century, and until the Civil War, when Union troops used the island as a base to block Confederate ports, they prospered, growing indigo, rice and sea island cotton.
With the island essentially left to nature, the formerly enslaved African and Gullah population developed a culture based on hunting, fishing and agricultural pursuits. Ruins of historic plantations and forts can still be seen, including Baynard Ruins, a once prosperous sea island cotton plantation. From the intersection of SRs 336 and 462, you can see the tomb of Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Near the tomb, some historical information is displayed. The ruins of his Old House Plantation, destroyed by Union soldiers in 1864, are nearby but on private property and are not open to the public.
The bridge to the mainland was completed in 1956, and the island developed into an all-year resort. Outdoor enthusiasts in particular will find lots of things to do in Hilton Head. There are two dozen championship golf courses, more than 300 tennis courts, riding stables, bicycle trails and marinas among the facilities. Coligny Beach is a popular Hilton Head beach. Plenty of recreational opportunities and amenities can also be found at Hilton Head Island hotels and resorts. The RBC Heritage golf tournament is held in April at Harbour Town Links.
The Audubon Newhall Preserve, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Sea Pines Forest Preserve in Hilton Head are all wildlife and waterfowl habitats. Daily sightseeing cruises can include Calibogue Sound, around the island and to Daufuskie Island, where many old Gullah traditions are observed.
During the summer, loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, and the hatchlings emerge and make their way to the ocean about two months later. Because the process is dependent on their ability to distinguish between natural light and darkness, Hilton Head Island streets and some commercial signage are dimly lit at night, if at all. Artificial light sources can cause the turtles to become disoriented. If you're unfamiliar with the area, it's a good idea to get a sense of the street layout before driving at night. Aside from aiding in the conservation of sea turtles, the extreme nighttime darkness also improves stargazing opportunities.
Visitor Centers
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau 1 Chamber of Commerce Dr. Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Phone:(843)785-3673 or (800)523-3373
Shopping
Coligny Plaza (1 N. Forest Beach Dr.) has about 60 specialty shops, services and food places. Nearly a dozen boutiques and restaurants can be found at Main Street Village (1500 Main St.), Sea Turtle Marketplace (430 William Hilton Pkwy.) and Shelter Cove Harbour Shops (1 Harbourside Ln.). Shelter Cove Towne Centre (40 Shelter Cove Ln.), anchored by Belk, is a mixed-use development with specialty stores, restaurants and residences. The lovely waterside location also includes a park with a concert pavilion and a playground. The Shops at Sea Pines Center (71 Lighthouse Rd.) offers stores, restaurants and services, as well as a farmers market (open seasonally). Call (843) 363-5699.