Morris Island Lighthouse

Year Built

1876

Cost

$149,993

Type

Conical

Height

161 feet

Location

Morris Island

Automated Year

1938

First Lit

1876

Lens Type

First-order Fresnel, 1858

Fog Signal

None

Year Deactivated

1962

Color

Alternating black and white horizontal bands

Last Keeper - Date

William A. Hecker (1935 – 1938)

Description

The lighthouse is not open to the public or accessible by land.

Brief History

•  In 1876 the lighthouse stood 1,200 feet from the coast, but when jetties were created in 1889 to protect shipping lanes, natural erosion was intensified and the ocean crept closer and closer.
•  1886, The Charleston earthquake cracks the tower and displaces the lens of the main light but is quickly repaired.
•  In 1965, it was sold to a private citizen and in 1982, it was named one of the National Register of Historic Places.
•  1989, Hurricane Hugo destroys all remaining structures around the lighthouse, but the tower withstands the storm.
•  2000, The State of South Carolina assumes ownership and coordinates with Save the Light to protect and maintain the lighthouse.