History of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island or Hilton Head is a town (located on an island of the same name) in Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. It is 20 miles (32 km) north of Savannah, Georgia, and 95 miles (153 km) south of Charleston, South Carolina. The island features 12 miles (19 km) of beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular vacation destination. In 2004, an estimated 2.25 million visitors pumped more than $1.5 billion into the local economy.[http://www.hiltonheadisland.org/chamber-of-commerce/relocation/employment-and-volunteer.asp "Employment Fast Facts,"] Hilton Head Island - Bluffton Chamber of Commerce - Accessed January 31, 2007. The year-round population was 33,862 at the 2000 census, although during the peak of summer vacation season the population can swell to 275,000.[http://www.ci.hilton-head-island.sc.us/Depts/finance/budget/FY2007Budget.pdf "Consolidated Municipal Budget Fiscal Year July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007,"] Town of Hilton Head Island, Accessed May 20, 2007. Over the past decade, the island's population growth rate was 32%.[http://www.lcwow.com/demographics.htm "Lowcountry Workforce on the Web,"] Hilton Head Island - Bluffton Chamber of Commerce - Accessed January 31, 2007.
The island has a rich history that started with seasonal occupation by native Americans thousands of years ago, and continued with European exploration and the Sea Island Cotton trade. It became an important base of operations for the Union blockade of the Southern ports during the American Civil War|Civil War. Once the island fell to Union troops, hundreds of ex-slaves flocked to Hilton Head, which is still home to many 'native islanders', many of whom are descendants of freed slaves known as the Gullah (or Geechee) who have managed to hold onto much of their ethnic and cultural identity.
The Town of Hilton Head Island incorporated as a municipality in 1983 and is well known for its "eco-friendly" development. The Town's Natural Resources Division enforces the Land Management Ordinance which minimizes the impact of development and governs the style of buildings and how they are situated amongst existing trees.[http://www.lowcountrynow.com/features/20difference/krebsbig.shtml "20 Who Made a Difference,"] Lowcountry Now (Savannah Morning News), 2003 - Accessed February 16, 2007. As a result, Hilton Head Island enjoys an unusual amount of tree cover relative to the amount of developement.Gale B. [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1016/is_n11-12_v96/ai_9162894 "Hilton Head: the canopy view,"] American Forests, November-December 1990. Accessed February 16, 2007. Approximately 70% of the island, including most of the tourist areas, is located inside gated community|gated communities.[http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2006-08-31-hilton-head_x.htm "Hilton Head, way ahead of its time,"] USA Today, September 1, 2006 - Accessed February 14, 2007. However, the Town maintains several public beach access points, including one for the exclusive use of town residents, who have approved several multi-million dollar land-buying bond referendums to control commercial growth.Whitney T and Gordon J. [http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/9000/9700/9793/Whitney_2001_Final_Report.pdf "An Investigation of Sprawl Development and Its Effect On Transportation Planning: The Lower Savannah Region of Government,"] South Carolina State University - School of Engineering Technology and Sciences, 2001 - Accessed February 15, 2007.
Hilton Head is famous for its wildlife, temperate climate, and world class golf. It hosts the Verizon Heritage|Verizon Heritage Classic, which is played on the Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines Resort.[http://sportsline.com/golf/story/10117287 "Hilton Head Island an unquestionable golfing mecca,"] CBS Sportsline.com, April 9, 2007. Accessed May 8, 2007
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