08/19/2026
Guess what? It’s World Photography Day!
I have plenty of shots I could post in honor of today, but I’ve chosen one specific picture and story, the Morris Island Lighthouse!
Ever wondered why South Carolina's tallest lighthouse is standing all alone, completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean? Here is the quick history behind the Morris Island Lighthouse located just off the coast of Folly Beach!✨
📚The Quick History:
First Beacons: Maritime history here dates back to 1673 when colonists burned pitch and tar in metal pans on the beach to guide ships.
Civil War Damage: A 102-foot tower stood here until 1862, when retreating Confederate forces destroyed it so Union ships couldn’t use it to navigate.
The Current Tower: Built in 1876, the current 161-foot black-and-white striped brick structure survived a cyclone in 1885 and the major 1886 Charleston earthquake!
Going Dark: The Coast Guard officially decommissioned the light in 1962, replacing it with modern range lights on nearby Sullivan’s Island.🏝️
Why is it in the water? When it was finished in 1876, the lighthouse stood nearly a quarter-mile inland, safely surrounded by sand dunes and trees. However, when shipping jetties were built for Charleston Harbor in 1889, it completely altered the ocean currents. The island rapidly washed away, leaving the tower stranded in open water.
Why they are saving it: Without help, the underwater foundation will wash away, and this beautiful piece of maritime history will collapse into the sea. In 1999, the amazing nonprofit Save the Light, Inc. purchased the lighthouse to preserve it. Since then, engineers have driven massive steel and concrete piles into the seabed to stabilize the structure so future generations can enjoy this historic landmark.
If you want to learn more, make sure to visit Save the Light, Inc. for more information on history or how to help!
Sources: Official Records from the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, The Library Guides at the Charleston School of Law, and the official preserve logs of Save the Light, Inc.
