In September of 1663, on a voyage of exploration, Captain William Hilton entered Port Royal Sound and spotted a headland-a high point of land used as a reference point by mariners- on a nearby island. Later, this headland would be called Hilton’s Headland, or Hilton’s Head. 320 years later, Hilton Head Island became the Town of Hilton Head Island.
Today, a group of volunteers are organizing a 350/30 anniversary blowout to commemorate both events. The Heritage Library Foundation, the Town of Hilton Head Island, USCB Hospitality and Event Management Department, Coastal Discovery Museum, the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, and many other island organizations are working together to plan a week-long celebration of the island.
The event is a celebration of the island -- not only its history, but also people who are here today, said Linda Piekut, executive director of the Heritage Library Foundation.
Remembering the history, current Mayor Drew Laughlin says, "It was an interesting time for sure" Laughlin, who lived on the island then, said he remembers many people who were opposed to incorporation and "a lot of growing pains -- a lot of trying to gather disparate ideas and trying to blend them together."
But now, Laughlin said, "I think most people today would accept the idea that town government is useful and necessary and positive. ... If we had not incorporated, it would be a dramatically different place than it is today."
Read more here: islandpacket.com