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Hilton Head, South Carolina is a popular seaside resort community located in the Lowcountry.

Hilton Head SC History

Native Indians lived in the Lowcountry as early as 10,000 years ago. When Spaniards began exploring the area in 1526, there were still many Indian settlements.

In 1856, English explorers drove the Spaniards from the area. King Charles II granted the Coastal Area to eight Lord Proprietors in 1663. They named their territory "Carolina". In August 1663, English Captain William Hilton sighted the high bluffs of the Island and named it "Hilton Head." The word "Head" refers to the headlands that were visible to them as they sailed the uncharted waters. The first English development in the Lowcountry began in 1698. Indian attacks continued to harass the settlers in the area. In 1717, Col. John Barnwell was granted a thousand acres on Hilton Head Island by the Lord Proprietors. He became the first white settler.

Hilton Head was touched by many conflicts. During the Revolution War, the British frequently raided the Island. During the War of 1812, the British invaded and burned most of the houses near deep water. During the Civil War, Union forces defeated Confederate soldiers on Hilton Head. The Union army eventually had 50,000 men stationed on the Island.

Hilton Head South Carolina – Prosperous Senior Vacation & Retirement Area

Today, Hilton Head South Carolina is a popular senior vacation area and home to a prosperous community. Seniors enjoy the beaches, golf, tennis and beauty of Hilton Head.