The very first visitors arrived on Hilton Head Island 4,000
years ago. These early Indians migrated to the coastal islands of the
Southeastern Coast and returned again and again. The evidence of these early
visitors lies deep in the heart of Sea Pines Plantation in the Forest Preserve.
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| Sea Pines Forest Preserve Map |
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve has a long and colorful
history. Starting in 1700, it flourished as an agricultural area producing
rice, indigo and cotton. But even before settlers came to Hilton Head Island,
the Nomadic Indians visited the area to hunt small game and harvest seafood.
During their visits to the island, a shell ring was constructed most likely as
a tribal or ceremonial plaza. This perfect circle of oysters, clams, whelk, and
other shells and bones from animals, is estimated to have taken over 300 years
to build. That’s an impressive return-trip rate to our Island. The shells were carried
a short distance from the tidal salt marsh that once flowed through the center
of Sea Pines. The structure was constructed by placing shells in a ring
formation, then filling in the gaps with more shells and lastly, packing the
ring with crushed shell and soil. There are no signs that anyone lived around
the ring, only that is was most likely a gathering place for the passing
visitors. Similar rings and Indian mounds are found throughout the Southeast, seemingly
providing an encampment for the Nomadic Indians.
Finding a shell ring in the middle of a forest may seem strange to visitors but there is a reason to its placement. Nearly 40 centuries ago, the current freshwater swamp in the heart of the forest preserve was once part of a tidal inlet that ran from Folly Creek to South Beach in Sea Pines. The inlet was an easily navigable route for the Indians to find refuge while hunting and fishing in the area.
Exploring Hilton Head Island’s nature preserves and history is
a must while visiting the Island. Visiting the Sea Pines Forest Preserve and
the Indian Shell Ring is easy. Pay a small entrance fee to Sea Pines Plantation
and begin your adventure. Once in the gate of the community, about a mile on
the left is a sign for the Forest Preserve. Park here and begin your scenic
walk across boardwalks, through woodlands and past beautiful lakes. About 20
minutes into your walk, signs will lead to a shallow basin enclosed by a low
shell wall. You've arrived at the Indian Shell Ring.
No one knows why the ring was abandoned over 3,500 years
ago. Scientists attribute the disappearance of the inhabitants to climate
change and a rising sea level that left seafood populations scarce. The Shell Ring is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places and is considered an Island treasure. Visit the
Shell Ring in Sea Pines Forest Preserve and formulate your own story. Hilton
Head Island is full of mysteries, history and nature waiting to be discovered.
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Development Corporation (PDC), features information about Hilton Head Island,
South Carolina from vacation rentals to real estate featuring details on
events, hotels, restaurants, golf, activities, shopping & spas. Created for
visitors and locals alike, HiltonHeadIslander.com is the source for all things
Hilton Head Island.
