For many reasons, the Morris Island Lighthouse is one of the most iconic lighthouses in the United States. Its story spans centuries, intertwining with events like the Civil War, coastal erosion, and efforts to preserve the area’s historic past.

The lighthouse was first constructed in 1767 to help guide wandering ships through the unpredictable waters of the Charleston Harbor. The seas were so notoriously treacherous due to the many shifting sandbars and strong tides of the area. Sailors desperately needed a reliable beacon to guide them, and Morris Island, located at the harbor’s entrance, was the ideal location. However, the original design was a simple wooden tower that was vulnerable to the elements and the chaos of war. Over time, the lighthouse was rebuilt and significantly fortified to meet growing maritime demands.

Morris Island itself was a battleground during the Civil War. It played a crucial role in Union attempts to seize Charleston from the Confederacy, culminating in the famous assault on Fort Wagner in 1863. Many battles between Union and Confederate forces left the lighthouse severely damaged. In 1867, new construction efforts began using brick and more powerful light, allowing it to be seen twenty miles out to sea. It became vital to the Charleston area’s infrastructure, helping countless ships navigate the tricky coastline.

Over the many years, the Morris Island Lighthouse faced a new enemy: coastal erosion. The land of Morris Island began to shrink quickly thanks to tides and storms. By 1930, the last lighthouse keeper left the island. Erosion worsened, and by the late 1980s, the lighthouse was completely isolated and surrounded by water. However, the Morris Island Lighthouse continued to stand strong against rising tides, becoming a symbol of resilience.

By the 1990s, it became evident that the lighthouse was in danger of collapse. Luckily, concerned citizens formed the nonprofit group Save the Light in 1999 to restore and protect this historical treasure. The group saved the lighthouse through many tireless efforts and projects, like adding a seawall at the structure’s base. Their goal was to not only preserve the lighthouse but also to educate future generations about the significance of the Morris Island Lighthouse.