If you look at the shape of Hilton Head Island as a foot, Port Royal Plantation lies at the “heel.” It was here Captain William Hilton first landed in 1663. More recently, in the last 30 years, the community has matured. It is known for its peaceful, preserved environment and approximately three miles of private beaches where Port Royal Sound joins the Atlantic Ocean. Port Royal Plantation, the island’s only private seaside residential neighborhood, encompasses 1,000 acres and is home to several historical sites.
Confederate forces occupied what is present-day Port Royal Plantation until invading Yankees, who set up both a camp and a town, drove them out in 1861. Incredibly, the population of the island was greater in 1863 than it is today, with most occupying the vicinity of Port Royal. Historical markers at Fort Walker Park, Fort Sherman, and Steam Gun (remnants of a large cannon) recount the events that took place at these sites and surrounding waters.
According to General Manager Dan Davis, the Island Development Company bought the property in the ’50s and did some minor development in Folly Field and along the shore in the ’60s. Serious development as a community began in 1971 when the Island Development Company merged with The Hilton Head Company.
According to the plantation’s website provided for residents, the modern era began slowly, cradled in a quiet environment far different from that of today. Raccoons, opossums and deer were common. Bobcats appeared on patios and nighthawks made ghostly noises in the dark. Cows, brought to the island by Daufuskie natives, could be seen grazing on the fairways. Little wild horses, Marsh Tackies, were a common sight.
By 1966, a few houses, the Port Royal Inn, the original clubhouse and the first golf course were built within the plantation. At this time, the Port Royal Inn, a private oceanfront resort, was flourishing.
A second golf course was opened in spring of 1969, and golf villas were added. The clubhouse was the center of social activity in those first years, with cookouts by the pool, oyster roasts on Friday nights, Christmas tree decorating, dances, golf parties, and Sunday night suppers. Several of these activities have continued. Sadly, on the night before the Christmas dance in December 1973, a fire destroyed the clubhouse.
The current clubhouse complex, also called the Overlook, was built in 1983 when the beach house was added along with the swimming pool and tennis courts.
By 1970, the beaches in Port Royal had experienced some erosion. Sea oats and dunes were diminishing and some property owners had lost footage from their land. The Hilton Head Company responded by constructing groins out into the ocean to trap the sand. As the beaches amassed sand, the dunes rebuilt themselves and the sea oats reappeared. By 1995, erosion was again taking its toll. This time the Town of Hilton Head responded, and in 1997, the plantation’s beaches were extensively renourished.
The Port Royal Plantation Club is a private membership club that offers a wide range of memberships. The PRPC members have access to three Port
Royal Golf Club 18-hole golf courses, 16 tennis courts operated by the Port Royal Racquet Club, and a croquet court. There is a one-time initiation fee, and charges vary depending on the type of membership.
One very popular member amenity, a favorite place for a wedding, is the Port Royal beach house. It is available, however, to members only. Each year, a dozen or so fortunate couples tie the knot at the beach house for a nominal fee, depending on attendance.
“The appeal of Port Royal Plantation is not just the beautiful setting, miles of beaches and historical sites, but the friendly and warm community spirit the residents share,” said Dan Davis. And there is plenty of activity: the Garden Club, Coffee Club, Gourmet Club, men’s Friday lunch, duplicate bridge, The Whippersnappers, The Port Royal Pals, and The Twilighters.
Members from this community sponsor an art workshop with help from local artists, but there’s a waiting list. However, at no cost and no waiting, miles of leisure trails and bike paths await the residents of Port Royal. Fishing, both fresh and saltwater, is another free and popular pastime here.
