Morris Island Lighthouse

 

It was a perfect day for a walk on the beach, folly beach. MP ran it, and we walked it. Our destination is the lighthouse. But this lighthouse is not accessible by land, it is situated on Morris Island.  The lighthouse was built at the entrance to the Charleston River and was first lit in 1876. It was a beacon for ships out in the Atlantic Ocean. Over the years the weather has tried, unsuccessfully to bring it down this 161 foot tower. A cyclone partially destroyed it. An earthquake shook the lens out of place and created a crack in the tower. But it’s real down fall was the water itself, by 1962 it was to close to the shore due to erosion. This lighthouse was replaced by the Charleston Lighthouse that came be seen on Sullivan Island. (There’s a post here about it) The lights that once burned brightly has been distinguished, and as of 1982  it became a historical site with a cement barrier to further preserve it. One thing I learned in my research that I think is pretty cool is the lighthouse is on a 99 year contract with save the light. 

Helpful travel hints and general facts about folly Beach and Lighthouse:

* don’t park on side of road, tons of no parking signs..... park in the pay parking lot. 

* when built it cost $149,993

* 161 feet tower, which is the only part of the complex left

* plenty of shops to keep you busy.

See you at the next bend in the road,

Kelli