Mid Island, SC

Hilton Head Island

By 1846 when he built the mausoleum, through inheritance and purchase, William Eddings Baynard of Edisto Island had become one of the island's major landowners holding multiple plantations throughout Hilton Head from Spanish Wells to Braddock Point. The Baynard family made their home in the large tabby mansion originally owned by Captain John Stoney (now the Stoney-Baynard Ruins in Sea Pines). At some point in the years following the invasion of Hilton Head Island at the beginning of the Civil War, grave robbers broke into and desecrated the mausoleum. A newspaper account from 1932 described the vault as "a handsome affair with room for many coffins. Two of these coffins are form fitting and made of metal. These have rusted and fallen to pieces. Other coffins have been desecrated... Several of the tiniest... Which are also open, contain only a gruesome dust." Now the vault stands empty, but for memories.
By 1846 when he built the mausoleum, through inheritance and purchase, William Eddings Baynard of Edisto Island had become one of the island's major landowners holding multiple plantations throughout Hilton Head from Spanish Wells to Braddock Point. The Baynard family made their home in the large tabby mansion originally owned by Captain John Stoney (now the Stoney-Baynard Ruins in Sea Pines). At some point in the years following the invasion of Hilton Head Island at the beginning of the Civil War, grave robbers broke into and desecrated the mausoleum. A newspaper account from 1932 described the vault as "a handsome affair with room for many coffins. Two of these coffins are form fitting and made of metal. These have rusted and fallen to pieces. Other coffins have been desecrated... Several of the tiniest... Which are also open, contain only a gruesome dust." Now the vault stands empty, but for memories.
At about the same time through the influence of Captain John Stoney and Mr. Isaac Fripp another congregation was formed and a church of wood, on a brick foundation, 40 x 30 ft. was built on Hilton Head Island. Divine Service was performed alternately at each church (St. Luke's Parish Church and Zion Chapel of Ease,) and since there was no Parsonage, the Minister resided with his parishioners. In 1833, the Rt. Rev. Nathaniel Bowen, Third Bishop of South Carolina, consecrated Zion Chapel, it having been, the record cryptically says, "thrown out of use as to the worship for which it had been originally erected, but now happily recovered." Diocesan records show that Divine Services were regularly held in Zion Church until November 1861 when invasion of the Island by federal armed forces necessitated the flight of the island's white population. When the Rev. Dr. James Stoney (1820-1870), a great grandson of Captain John Stoney, builder of Zion Chapel, was able to return to his rectorship of the Church in the Cross in Bluffton in 1867, his 1868 report says that Zion Chapel, having been built of wood, had entirely disappeared, it's Eucharistic silver and all it's furnishings, altar, prayer desks, pulpit, pews were stolen. Worst of all for Zion Chapel was the fact that all of its members were dispersed, dispossessed of their homes and property, never to return to Hilton Head Island again. Today, only the cemetery remains.
HiltonHeadIsland_PortRoyalGolfClub_6300047)0003
HiltonHeadIsland_FollyFieldBeachPark_6300724_0005

Popular places to visit

Shelter Cove Marina, Hilton Head Island, Shutterstock ID 1233599833, Purchase Order: SP-1891 Wave 0, Client/Licensee: Hotels.com

Shelter Cove Harbour

Explore the waterfront of Shelter Cove Harbour and enjoy other activities such as golfing in Hilton Head Island. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Shelter Cove Harbour
HiltonHeadIsland_PortRoyalGolfClub_6300047)0003

Port Royal Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Hilton Head Island at Port Royal Golf Club. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Port Royal Golf Club
HiltonHeadIsland_FollyFieldBeachPark_6300724_0005

Folly Field Beach Park

Explore the lovely green spaces of Folly Field Beach Park and enjoy the golf courses in Hilton Head Island. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Folly Field Beach Park
HiltonHeadIsland_AdventureCove_6188182_0005

Adventure Cove

Enjoy a round of golf in Hilton Head Island at Adventure Cove. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Adventure Cove
HiltonHeadIsland_RobertTrentJonesOceanfrontCourse_553248621555612206

Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Hilton Head Island at Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course
HiltonHeadIsland_MitchelvilleFreedomPark_6300761_0009

Mitchelville Freedom Park

After visiting Mitchelville Freedom Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Hilton Head Island. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Mitchelville Freedom Park

Things to do

Hilton Head Island: Ocean Dolphin Cruise

Hilton Head Island: Ocean Dolphin Cruise

$42
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Hilton Head Island: Ocean Dolphin Cruise
Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise

$40
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise
Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching Cruise with Donuts

Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching Cruise with Donuts

$59
per adult
Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Watching Cruise with Donuts
Small Group Hilton Head Morning Dolphin and Donut Cruise

Small Group - 6 Passengers - Morning Dolphin and Donut Cruise

$55
per adult
Small Group - 6 Passengers - Morning Dolphin and Donut Cruise
Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour

Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour

$45
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Hilton Head Island: Dolphin Cruise & Nature Tour
Picture 10 for Activity Hilton Head Island: Disappearing Island and Dolphin Tour

Hilton Head Island: Disappearing Island and Dolphin Tour

$55
per adult
Hilton Head Island: Disappearing Island and Dolphin Tour
See all activities in Hilton Head Island

Mid Island Hotel Deals

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

4 out of 5
23 Ocean Lane Hilton Head Island SC
Book a stay at this beach resort in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
Get rates
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island

Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island

4.5 out of 5
1 Hotel Circle Hilton Head Island SC
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
Get rates
Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
2 Grasslawn Ave Hilton Head Island SC
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
Get rates
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Hampton Inn Hilton Head

Hampton Inn Hilton Head

2.5 out of 5
1 Dillon Road Hilton Head Island SC
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Get rates
Hampton Inn Hilton Head
Island Links Resort by Palmera

Island Links Resort by Palmera

3 out of 5
1 Coggins Point Road Hilton Head Island SC
Book a stay at this golf aparthotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Get rates
Island Links Resort by Palmera
Home2 Suites by Hilton Hilton Head

Home2 Suites by Hilton Hilton Head

3 out of 5
836 William Hilton Parkway Hilton Head Island SC
Stay at this hotel in Hilton Head Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
Get rates
Home2 Suites by Hilton Hilton Head
See all 3,549 properties in Mid Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Mid Island

Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA

Shelter Cove

While there might not be top attractions in Shelter Cove, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Shelter Cove Harbour and The Golf Courses of Palmetto Dunes.

Shelter Cove
HiltonHeadIsland_FollyFieldBeachPark_6300724_0005

Folly Field

While visiting Folly Field, you might make a stop by sights like Folly Field Beach Park and Folly Field Beach.

Folly Field
Sunset at the beach club. 😎

North End

While visiting North End, you might make a stop by sights like Palmetto Hall Golf and Country Club and Country Club of Hilton Head.

North End
Walkway to the beach.

North Forest Beach

5/5(4 area reviews)

While visiting North Forest Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Coligny Plaza and Coligny Beach.

North Forest Beach
Sunset at Harbour Town.

South End

If you're spending some time in South End, Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Coligny Beach are top sights worth seeing.

South End
Aerial panorama view of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA.

South Forest Beach

If you're spending some time in South Forest Beach, Coligny Beach and Sea Pines Forest Preserve are top sights worth seeing.

South Forest Beach

Mid Island, SC

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: