South Carolina - Sullivan's Island Lighthouse

The Sullivan's Island Lighthouse is the Charleston, SC area's youngest lighthouse. It was built in 1962 to replace the Morris Island Lighthouse. Unlike most lighthouses, the Charleston light, as it is known by the locals, was built of steel and has an elevator as well as stairs to the top. The light mechanism has the potential of 28 million candlepower and it thereby capable of being one of the most powerful lights in the world. The lighthouse stands 163-feet high. It was originally painted orange and white. However, those colors were not agreeable to island residents, and the tower was repainted black and white.The light was automated in 1982 and is manned by the U.S. Coast Guard. The lighthouse is located near historic Fort Moultrie. 

At the time of my visit here in 2000, this was an active light. Access into the lighthouse had to be obtained through the Coast Guard office in Charleston.

South Carolina - Morris Island Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located on Morris Island at Charleston, SC. The first lighthouse built in 1767 was crude and the first to be erected in Southern U.S. Acting upon a decree from King George III, a tower was built at the southern entrance to Charleston Harbor. It was destroyed during the Civil War and this new tower built. The Morris Island Lighthouse stands 161-feet high and has 201 steps leading to the top. It survived a major hurricane in 1885, and the great Charleston earthquake in 1886. At one time there was a keepers dwelling located nearby.

In 1938 the light was automated and shined until the beacon was extinguished in 1962. Its navigational role was assumed by the new lighthouse on Sullivan's Island. At the time of my visit here in 2000, the Morris Island Lighthouse was believed to still be structurally sound, despite the beating from Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

Until recent years, the tower could be reached by foot at low tide from Folly Beach on James Island, SC. Because of heavy erosion, this is no longer possible.

South Carolina - Harbor Town Lighthouse

The Harbor Town Lighthouse is located on the southern tip of Hilton Head Island, SC on the Sea Pines Plantation. The lighthouse was constructed in 1970 as part of the island's Heritage Golf Tournament. It was the first lighthouse to be privately financed since 1827. The red and white tower is 93-feet high with 110 steps leading to the top. Although it is not recognized as an official lighthouse, the Harbor Town Light serves as a private navigational aid for boat travelers. At the time of my visit here in 2000, the lighthouse was open daily to the public. A small admission fee was charged to enter the gates to the private Sea Pines Plantation Resort.

South Carolina - Hilton Head Range Rear Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located on Hilton Head Island, SC. It is the remaining one-half of the range light system used as navigational aid to mariners approaching the island. Officially it is called the Hilton Head Lighthouse, and the tower is often referred to as the Leamington Light as it was originally built on the Leamington Plantation.

The first range lights built on the island in 1863 were in use for approximately 6-years before being destroyed by a severe storm. Replacement range lights were built in 1880. Originally, the front range light was set atop the keepers dwelling, but due to shifting land that light was moved multiple times to other locations. The 95-foot iron tower, pictured above, served as the rear light of the range light system. There are 112 steps to reach the top of the tower. In 1932 both range lights were decommissioned. As of the time of my visit here in 2000, the front range light no longer existed.


During WWII the island was used by the U.S. Marines for training. After they departed the island, the tower and surrounding land was later sold to Greenwood Development Corp.

During the 1980's the Palmetto Dunes Resort incorporated the lighthouse into its golf course. The lighthouse stands between the eight and ninth greens of the course. This lighthouse was restored in 1986. At the time of my visit, it was open to the public only by special permission of the management group.