Tucked away off of Squire Pope Road is a fascinating piece of the Hilton Head Island history: the Ford Shell Ring, also referred to as the Skull Creek Shell Ring. It is an archaeological site, dating to at least 4,000 years ago, and is one of the oldest known sites of human occupations on the island.
Imagine the land thousands of years ago as a place where Native Americans lived. Based on historical research and findings, Native Americans constructed these circular rings using oyster and clam shells and perhaps used them as early villages, meeting points, and ritual centers. The Ford Shell Ring holds the distinction of being the only known shell ring in the United States or Caribbean arranged in a figure eight design.
The clues to the mystical lives of Native Americans as they relate to shell rings lie in the hands of researchers such Dr. Michael Sanger, a Binghamton University anthropologist who led an excavation project at the site two years ago. He stated that this shell ring “has national significance as it is part of a broader pattern in which Native Americans created large, circular heaps of shellfish (primarily oysters and clams) from South Carolina to Mississippi, roughly 3,000-5,000 years ago. Archaeologists and historians debate why Native Americans formed these shell rings as they relate to a critical time of social change among Native American communities.”
While researchers take on the work to continue uncovering the history of shell rings, we, along with Beaufort County, are taking on the tasks of protecting and preserving this 6.8-acre site. We purchased the property jointly with Beaufort County in 2003 for the purpose of protecting the two shell rings resting there.
In March, our town council approved entering into a joint ownership and operating agreement with the county for operation and maintenance of the site as a passive park. The county will be responsible for all costs related to the planning, construction, and repair of capital improvements on the property. The town will be responsible for general maintenance including mowing and clearing of the trail and the opening and closing of the gate on the property.
Some of the proposed improvements include widening the entrance off Squire Pope Road to accommodate two-way traffic; installing a small, gravel parking area lined with a split-rail fence; and adding a walking trail loop with interpretive and wayfinding signage. A viewing corridor with a bench will be erected next to Skull Creek, which borders the shell ring property. These improvements will allow the community to experience the longstanding history of this site. Once complete, this beautiful park will become part of our natural park assets for both islanders and visitors to enjoy.
