MORRIS ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Across the harbor, from Sullivan's Island, you can see the outline of the old, abandoned Morris Island. Once on an island, the tower now stands surrounded by water, refusing to give in to the fate of so many other lighthouses in our history. There is no more light, no more door even.
There has been a lighthouse tower here since 1767, but the first tower on Morris Island was replaced in 1837 by a new one on Lighthouse Island. This one was destroyed during the Civil War by the Confederate forces to prevent the Yankees from using it. The tower that stands today, was erected in 1876 and first lit on October 1st of that same year. It had the 1st order lens from the previous tower installed in it and it shone from a 158 foot focal plane.
As you drive south out of Charleston on Hwy 17, you'll want to take a left turn on State 171 and drive to the end of it. Turn left and go to the end. Park there and continue to walk in the same direction out to the beach and a view of this once majestic beacon.
Here's how I saw it:
OF THE MOUNTAINS
John B Caddell
Copyright 2001