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Hilton Head Island is approximately twelve miles long and five miles wide and is located in South Carolina. Once you are there you will see why this Island is so well-known and loved.

William Hilton was a English sea captain who was credited for discovering Hilton Head Island in 1663, however when Hilton arrived he was greeted by Indians from the Yemassee Tribe and the Ewascus Indians. Hilton claimed this territory for the British. Hilton Head Island soon became known as a breeding ground for sugar cane and indigo.

The English King in 1668 gave several Islands to John Bayley. This area was named Bayley's Barony. Hilton Head Island was known as Trench's Island in recognition of Alexander Trench, who was Bayley's property representative.

John Barnwell was the first English settler in 1717. He received five hundred acres of land, that is now known as Hilton Head Plantation. Hilton Head Island gained world wide exposure in 1790 when a planter by the name of William Elliott raised the first lengthened cotton.
Will Seabrook who was a neighbor of Elliott helped him invent a new type of fertilizer for the crops that produced a record harvest and brought much recognition to Hilton Head Island.

Twenty-four plantations were in use on the Island by 1860. The main crops by now were cotton, indigo, sugar cane, rice and other crops as well.

The Civil War brought big changes to Hilton Head Island, because the war ended slavery and new technology took a toll on the Island's cotton. The Island fell into uncertainty. During this time the Island was supported by descendants of former slaves. They lived on small farms, they also survived by hunting and fishing.

In the 1940's timber men became aware that the tall pine trees would be appropriate for producing lumber for many uses.

In 1956 Charles Fraser decided that Hilton Head Island could be used for more than just timber. He decided to create a resort community. In 1983 his efforts and hard worked paided off. Hilton Head Island officially became a town.

Hilton Head Island has thousands of resorts and residential neighborhoods. The Island consists of over thirty-thousand residents, not to mention the 2.2 million of tourist that visits the Island every year. Hilton Head Island is well known for its beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, lakes, art galleries, restaurants, resorts and villa's.

This Island has a rich heritage and history. William Hilton would be proud to know that Hilton Head Island still bears his name.

Learn more about this author, Alicia Ellison Grant.
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