A Brief History of the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse

There is a bit of romantic imagery that flashes to our minds when we talk about lighthouses. The history of these truly life-saving beacons has given rise to this. The reality regarding these spires is not far off the mark.

We – humanity—have moved from fires along the shore manned by families and communities waiting for our men offshore to return safely through the dark. Those bonfires are, today, a web of markers and instruments that include fixed offshore lights, buoys with bells and traditional lighthouses.

The Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse is situated on the south end of the island with the 1898 Sullivan’s Island Lifesaving Station at its base. Within walking distance, you will find Fort Moultrie and other Revolutionary War landmarks which are also a part of the National Park Service.

The lighthouse construction began in 1960 and was dedicated upon completion in 1962. The Charleston Light, the name given by the Coast Guard, was transferred from the Morris Island Lighthouse to the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse because Morris Island’s foundation became unstable.

As our ideas have modernized, so has the look and construction of lighthouses. The new Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse design separated itself from history with its triangular-shaped, towering facility which looms over the sands of the island some 140 ft. The aforementioned Sullivan’s Island Lifesaving Station facilities are still used as maintenance and housing units for the Park Service. It’s also notable that it contains the only elevator known to exist in a lighthouse within the United States!

As noted, the building is triangular, designed by Jack Graham. Mr. Graham, a budding architect, had joined the Coast Guard and was stationed at the Washington, DC headquarters when he was tasked with designing the lighthouse.

The beam from the Lighthouse has been seen for over 50 years. The original light of 28 million candlepower was too strong – the keepers wore welding garb with filtered shields to prevent being burned. The reduced 1.2 million candle-powered light can be seen some 26 miles at sea.

Aside from its historic neighbors which have helped shape the fate of the lighthouse, the permanent residents have also shaped the use and operation of the structure. When constructed, the tower was painted with a white bottom and an orange upper portion in keeping with Coast Guard tradition. The local population petitioned and won the argument to have the upper portion repainted black. The active locals have been proponents of all the efforts to accentuate the history of the island town.

Its strength has been tested many times over the years, but none so notable as Hurricane Hugo in 1989. The winds exceeded 125 miles per hour but did not functionally damage the lighthouse. The Charleston Light is the last shore bound light constructed in the US.

At only 60 years of age, this young lighthouse is now in retirement being passed over by technology and the changing of times. The lighthouse became a ward of the service in 2008 when it was deemed surplus by the Coast Guard.

So… If you’re ever lost at sea off the Southern Coast, look up! The Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse may just guide you home.

~ David Joyner