Historical Facts and Places on Hilton Head Island

The Lowcountry, especially the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton areas, is known for and justifiably famous for its incredible beaches and world-class golf courses. Below are a few facts to keep you informed as you enjoy your living or visiting experience.

• Hilton Head Island, the jewel, is five miles wide and twelve miles long, but the Island has more than 100 miles of bicycle trails. Bike riding is a great way to get around and sightsee. 
• The Lowcountry has fewer than 70,000 year-round residents, but over 3 million visitors per year.
• Before the Civil War, three dozen plantations in the Lowcountry grew famous Sea Island cotton.
• Until 1956, the only way to access Hilton Head Island was by boat and resort development began the same year.
• Often people refer to the toe, heel, or ankle in describing locations on Hilton Head Island because it is shaped like a foot.
• The first self-governed freedman’s town in the United States was founded in Mitchellville on Hilton Head Island during the Civil War by the enslaved people who worked the plantations. In 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation was read on Hilton Head Island, making it one of the first places in the South where enslaved people were declared free.
• The Gullah people, who are descendants of enslaved West Africans, have lived on the island for centuries. They have preserved their African cultural heritage, including their unique language, food, music, and crafts.
• Hilton Head Island was first inhabited by the Native Americans for over 4,000 years before the arrival of Europeans. The island was primarily inhabited by the Yemassee tribe, who used the island as a seasonal hunting ground.
• The island was first discovered by Europeans in 1663 when Captain William Hilton sailed into the area and named the island after himself. He named it “Hilton’s Headland.” However, the English did not establish a permanent settlement on the island at the time. 
• In 1698, the first English settlers arrived on the island.
• In the 18th century, Hilton Head Island became a major center for the production of rice and indigo.
• During the Civil War, Hilton Head Island was used as a Union military base. The island was an important supply depot and staging area for Union troops.

Places on Hilton Head Island to take in a little history:

Coastal Discovery Museum

It is a great place to explore this area's history, culture, and art. You will see how the Lowcountry played a vital role in the founding of America, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and the Reconstruction Era. It is 68 acres of natural paradise just waiting to bring learning about our environment to you. This community-centric organization was set up in 1985 with the goal of teaching guests and locals about the heritage and natural history of the Lowcountry area. The museum is packed with opportunities to learn about regional flora and fauna. For example, you’ll spot the majestic and live oak that never loses foliage; a Southern Red cedar that is almost five centuries old, and many seasonally grown plants. 

You’ll also learn about the habits of shrimp, turtles, snakes, alligators, crabs, dolphins, and many many more. Make sure you don’t miss the butterfly gardens, especially during the warmer months. There is also a bird’s eye view theater that hosts many shows and presentations. Keep an eye out for their locally advertised Museum events or subscribe to their website at https://www.coastaldiscovery.org/. Dolphin cruises are hosted where you can meet bottlenose dolphins, guided kayaking adventures, a shell ring made from local shellfish, and a weekly farmers market. To make a reservation at the museum call 843-689-6767.

Sea Pines Shell Ring

The Shell Ring on Hilton Head Island is an archaeological site located in the southwestern part of the island in Sea Pines. It is a circular formation of oyster shells. It is about 150 feet in diameter and 5 feet high, which was created by Native Americans over a period of several hundred years, from around 4,000 to 3,500 years ago. The shell ring was likely used for communal activities such as cooking, eating, and socializing.

The shell ring is one of several similar formations found in the coastal areas of the southeastern United States and is considered to be one of the most significant archaeological sites in the region. It was first identified by researchers in the 1930s and has been the subject of numerous studies since then.

In addition to the shell ring itself, the area surrounding it contains other archaeological remains, including pottery, stone tools, and animal bones. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the daily lives and cultural practices of the Native Americans who inhabited the area thousands of years ago. Today, the shell ring is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike and is protected by the state of South Carolina as a significant historical site.

Both of these places are great to visit. Adults and kids alike will enjoy them!

Written by Allison Cobb

The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or emissions in the content of this blog. The information provided on is an “as is” basis with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.