Hunting Island Beach / Lighthouse

Hunting Island Beach / Lighthouse The Hunting Island Light is located in Hunting Island State Park on Hunting Island near Beaufort, Sou A fog horn was not installed. Major George H.
(1824)

Overview
The tower is made mostly of brick with a cast iron shell. The conical tower is 136 feet tall with a second order, Frensel light (the original light is no longer lit and the lenses are at the base of the tower for the public to view). The top third of the tower is painted black and the lower two-thirds is painted white. The only sound signal is a large bell. Currently, a rotating light is

in place to mimic the original lamp in the lighthouse. It is turned on at dusk and rotates brightly through the night. While not bright enough for navigation, it provides night visitors to the island the feel of an operating lighthouse. When operational, the Hunting Island Lighthouse was visible for 17 miles. Historic records from March 1890 note that the Lighthouse was complete, "including one of the larger sized fire proof oil light houses." History
Construction started in 1859, but was set back as the tower was destroyed during the Civil War in 1862. Elliot is credited with the 1860s development of what is known as the "segmented cast-iron" light house design. In the United States, two were constructed: the Hunting Island Lighthouse and subsequently Florida's Cape Canaveral Light. Hunting Island’s Lighthouse was designed to be disassembled and moved if required. It consists of cast-iron sections, each weighing up to 1200 pounds which are bolted together to form the shell. The shell is lined with brick, which constitutes the main load-bearing structural element. Er****on commenced in 1873, and was completed in 1875. With its 167 steps that lead to an impressive observation deck, the Hunting Island Lighthouse has handsomely built cast and wrought iron staircase, railings and support beams that were fashioned by the Phoenix Iron Works company of Philadelphia. The Lighthouse was first located on the northern portion of Hunting Island, South Carolina, but severe beach erosion threatened the light station and its structures. By 1888 it was reported that the Atlantic Ocean’s high tide had reached within 35 feet of the keeper's house. As a result, the Lighthouse, the keeper's home and two other structures were relocated a mile away in 1889 to their present locale. At the time of the 1893 Sea Islands Hurricane the Hunting Island Lighthouse functioned as a sanctuary for some passengers aboard the steamer "City of Savannah I" which had been forced onto the shoals. The Lighthouse continued operation until deactivation in 1933. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 as reference #70000561. In 2009, celebrations were held in honor of the lighthouse's 150th year anniversary. Location: Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina

Coordinates:
32°22′30″N 80°26′18″WCoordinates: 32°22′30″N 80°26′18″W

Year first lit
1875

Deactivated
1933

Foundation
Natural / Emplaced

Construction
Cast Iron / Brick lined

Tower shape
Conical

Height
136 feet

Original lens
Second order Fresnel lens

Characteristic
White, FFl, 30 sec

Nearest city:
Beaufort, South Carolina

Area:
5 acres (2.0 ha)

Built:
1889

Governing body:
State

NRHP Reference #:
70000561[1]

Added to NRHP:
June 5, 1970

01/29/2026

Please stay safe everyone!!
#

Yes, surfing at Hunting Island is a thing!
08/13/2020

Yes, surfing at Hunting Island is a thing!

Generation to Generation story by KATE HAMILTON PARDEE photos by JOHN WOLLWERTH Surfing Back In in The the Day Barry Gooch, Richard “Murph the Surf” Neill, and Robert Gay, all born in Beaufort…

Great photo of Hunting Island's beautiful lighthouse! Drone photography courtesy of Robert Gecy Photography.
06/23/2020

Great photo of Hunting Island's beautiful lighthouse! Drone photography courtesy of Robert Gecy Photography.

Happy Independence Day!
07/04/2019

Happy Independence Day!

Hunting Island’s "Super Hero“ this 4th of July!
So wonderful! 🇺🇸

📸 Delk Haigler Photography

Hurry to Beautiful Beaufort!!
03/27/2018

Hurry to Beautiful Beaufort!!

The South is full of small towns, packed with charm and nestled in enchanting scenery.

So much erosion out here! But the lighthouse stands strong!
03/17/2018

So much erosion out here! But the lighthouse stands strong!

Beaufort International Film Festival starts tomorrow, get your tickets at the Visitors Center or buy them online now!
02/20/2018

Beaufort International Film Festival starts tomorrow, get your tickets at the Visitors Center or buy them online now!

Meet Dale Dye, Actor, Author, ICON - 3:15-4:00pm, Friday, Feb 23. Mark your calendars. Moderated discussion of his career in the Marine Corps and in Hollywood. Moderator Co-Film Festival Director Ron Tucker (USMC Retired). Scheduled to air LIVE via Facebook. Watch for details.
All Warrior Network Warriors Publishing Group Julia Dye Scott Levy Caroline Fermin USMC Museum Parris Island We Are The Mighty Once a Marine, Always a Marine Jen Brofer Semper Fi Fund

Time for Film Festival, can't wait! Get your tickets at the Visitors Center on Craven Street now!
01/28/2018

Time for Film Festival, can't wait! Get your tickets at the Visitors Center on Craven Street now!

Tickets are now available for all screenings. Visit beaufortfilmfestival.com to purchase online or in person at the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center.
The Best Comedy Nominated Student Film screens Thur, Feb 22, 4:10pm

01/23/2018

2017 BIFF has been spectacular and the evening of the Awards Ceremony was no less than fabulous. Thank you to everyone who makes this event possible! We look forward to seeing you all again in 2018.

Address

2555 Sea Island Pkwy
Saint Helena Island, SC
29920

Telephone

(843) 838-2011

Website

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