By John Lindell
There are eight lighthouses along the coast of South Carolina that help to guide ships safely around the various hazards of the Atlantic Ocean. Most of these lighthouses are on islands and can be accessed only by taking a boat or a cruise that brings the visitor close enough to get a good look at the structure.
Georgetown lighthouse
Built on 15-mile-long North Island off of Georgetown, this lighthouse was decimated by an 1806 storm and rebuilt. It is 87 feet tall and has been fully automated since 1986, with a bright white light that can be seen from a distance of 12 miles out at sea. Private tours by boat bring tourists out to the island but nobody is allowed on land since the Coast Guard owns the site.
Hunting Island Light
Hunting Island has a now-defunct lighthouse within the boundaries of Hunting Island State Park, about 16 miles to the south of the town of Beaufort off US Highway 21. It was built in such a way that it could be taken apart and relocated if need be, which it was in 1889.
Harbour Town Light
Built on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina by Charles Fraser, this lighthouse is 90 feet tall with a light that has a distance of 15 nautical miles. It is found on the Sea Pines Plantation off of Route 278 and is adjacent to a golf course.
Charlestown Light
Constructed in 1962, the Charlestown Light is powerful, with seamen able to see it even when they are 26 miles away. The 163-foot-tall structure is on Sullivan's Island and closed to the public. It is off of Route 703.
Morris Island Lighthouse
Although not an active lighthouse, the Morris Island light is an impressive sight as it stands 900 feet off the shores of Folly beach in Charlestown. It once stood on a good sized island but constant erosion has left it simply standing in the water with protection from a steel wall erected by the US Coast Guard.
Others
A decommissioned light house still stands on Hilton Head watching over the Arthur Hills Golf Course. A pair of lighthouses also exist off the coast of the South Carolina town of McClellanville. One is 87 feet high and the other is 150. Both have been put out of use but still stand, although they are viewed best from a boat.
Resources
About the Author:
John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.
