*******UNDER CONSTRUCTION*******
SOUTH CAROLINA
Beacons
The Light Houses that cover the South Carolina Coast
Welcome Aboard, I am the Keeper of the Light, I hope you like my little addition to the growing list of pages that tell about these majestic structures. After traveling around the globe twice by sea, I have seen many of these wonderful lights but to me none are as wonderful as those that stand on the coast of my home... South Carolina If You enjoy your visit please link back over to my home page and sign my guest book, and while you are there, please feel free to look around and visit my oher pages.
Georgetown - 1867
Cape Romain - 1858
Sullivan's Island (New Charleston Light) - 1962
A radically new design was attempted by the Coast Guard when the Sullivan's Island Light was built. A triangular design was thought to be able to withstand the severe winds of a hurricane better than an oval shape. This was the first lighthouse where aluminum was uses extensively. The 140 foot tower is made of high strength steel and the exterior pallels are aluminum. It was designed to withstand winds of up to 160 MPH. Hurricane Hugo in 1989 had winds that exceeded that speed. Sullivan's Island is the only lighthouse in the United States with an elevator. The automated beacon shines from property owned by the U.S. Park Service, where the Fort Sumter National Monument offices are. The Morris Island Light, as well as Fort Sumter is clearly visible from the beach in front of the light.
Hunting Island - 1875
The original 1859 Hunting Island Lighthouse which was destroyed by the Confederacy is located a little over a mile off the coast of the current Light Location. The current light who's design is similar to the Curritick Light in NC was rebuilt and first lit in 1875. This Light was moved 1.3 miles inward because of erosion and was again relit in 1889. In 1933 the second order fresnell went dark, It was deactivated. During WWII the 132 1/2 ft tower was used by the U.S. Navy as a look out point for Coast Watchers. It is currently a musieum at the Hunting Island State Park, and is the only Lighthouse in SC that is open to visitors.
Hilton Head - 1970
Daufuskie Island - 1872
Morris Island (Old Chalrleston Light) - 1876
At the end of the Civil War, nearly all coastal navagational aids were either dismantled or, as in this case, reduced to rubble. Navagation into Charleston Harbor became a perilous undertaking. In 1874, a new tower was constructed and finally lit in 1876, with its flashing beacon being seen from 155 feet above sea level. A small community sprand up and the tower was painted with distinctive black -and- white striping. In 1896 precautions were taken to protect the Island. The Morris Island Lighthouse has stood proudly, surviving an earthquake in 1886 that leveled much of Charleston and hurricanes from 1885 to now including Hurricane Hugo in 1989 which slapped the tower with an estimated storm surge of 19.8 feet and winds of 160+ miles an hour. However, the sea is is slowly taking its toll, the island has eroded over the years and has left the tower totaly surronded by water. Through efforts by the Charleston Preservation Society, the federal government reconsidered a decision to demolish the structure. In 1982, this light was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The following is a poem I wrote about the Morris Island Light on June 7th 2003.
"Silent and Alone"
Alone in the surf,
the waves at your feet,
the days of duty and devotion,
no longer do you seek.
Your flame has been snuffed,
your lenses carried off,
the windows all shattered,
the gulls now use your loft.
A beacon of the second order,
once stretched into the night,
giving mariners a reason to smile,
your city was always bright.
You still stand straight and tall,
your buildings claimed by the sea,
not even nature at her worst,
could make you move to lee.
As proud as the day you were new,
but now weathered and wind blown,
as long as your light is remembered,
You will never be alone.
Fort Sumter Light - 1855, Gone but Not Forgotten....
This light built on the Fort itself, marked the entrance to Charleston Harbor. Over the years the Fort had a number of lighthouses, none of which stand any longer. Throughout the years this tower was painted a number of different colors. There is no doubt that in early hours the morning of April 12, 1861 the Confederate gunners of Charleston used the beacon from this light to help train their guns on their target. The bombardment of the Fort took its toll on the structure and was eventually destroyed after the war. A few old pictures and drawings are all we have to remember this proud sentinels of the night.
My Dedication to Lighthouses
