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The history of Hilton Head begins in the 17th century. In 1663 a British Captain named William Hilton spotted this small island, and laid claim in the name of the British colonists. Eventually the island was named after this Captain. So began the history of Hilton Head, as known to the white man. Prior to Hilton landing on the island, the Native Americans were the primary inhabitants of the island. These tribes had little contact with the European world, save for a few Spanish explorers in previous years.

The first English settler to actually live on Hilton Head was John Barnwell. This man opened a plantation on the island in 1717. By the end of the century the island was also being used to grow cotton, and several other plantations were in operation.

Hilton Head was used as a holding area for the Confederates during the Civil War. At one point the Union Army even surrounded the island in an effort to stop the South from trading with others during the War. Following the Civil War, the island became a haven for free slaves. It wasn't until the 1950's that Hilton Head began turning into the island we see today.

Two men by the names of Charles Fraser and Fred Hack began buying the land on Hilton Head in 1950. These two men opened the first vacation destination on the island, with the Sea Pines Resort which opened in 1956. The following year electricity was run to the island, and by the end of the decade, the residents had telephone service as well.

Today there are a variety of reasons why people choose to visit this small island in South Carolina. There are hundreds of activities ranging from scuba diving to horseback riding, and things to fit every type of budget imaginable. It is quite possibly the best vacation spot in the country.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Eblin.
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