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Morris Island Lighthouse

SC PICTURE PROJECT 9 Comments

SC Picture Project / Charleston County / Morris Island Lighthouse

The Morris Island Lighthouse, located just off the northern coast of Folly Beach, proudly guards the Charleston Harbor. When it was built in 1876, the lighthouse stood almost a mile inland – it now stands amidst the Atlantic Ocean, listing slightly to one side, as seen below.

Morris Island Sky Ablaze
Jim Miller of Mount Pleasant, 2015 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Many people love the lighthouse and have worked hard over the years to protect it. Save the Light, a local grassroots organization, raised money to buy the lighthouse from its former owner in 1999. The Morris Island Lighthouse is now owned by the state of South Carolina, but Save the Light continues to lead the way in its restoration and preservation.

Morris Island Light House
Chuck Lawhon of Myrtle Beach, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Restoration efforts thus far have been threefold. First, the US Army Corps of Engineers built a steel cofferdam (enclosure) around the lighthouse’s base. Second, large stones were placed in a circle surrounding the cofferdam to prevent further erosion. Finally, in 2010, new pilings were installed to stabilize the foundation. The images above and below detail these efforts.

Morris Island Full Moon
Jim Miller of Mount Pleasant, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Morris Island itself is accessible only by boat, but the lighthouse is visible from many of Charleston’s coastal communities. Today a tiny and fragile island, Morris Island was once home to at least 15 buildings, including three Italianate cottages, a small schoolhouse, and numerous barns and other outbuildings. The small village was connected to the back of the island by a long, wooden walkway. Many lighthouse keepers and their families lived there over the years.

Morris Island Lighthouse Historical Photo
South Caroliniana Library, Photographs WPA-PL-CH (1-16), 1930-1940

The first lighthouse on the island stood just 42 feet tall and was erected in 1762. Its 1838 replacement stood 60 feet taller and featured a revolving light. During the Civil War, the Confederate army destroyed the structure to prevent Union troops from using it as a lookout tower. The US government replaced it immediately after the war. This new Morris Island Lighthouse operated continually from 1876 until 1962, when it was decommissioned and replaced by a modern lighthouse on Sullivan’s Island.

Morris Island Lighthouse Roof
Bennie Brawley of Irmo, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

On October 1, 2016 the Morris Island Lighthouse shone once again. The lighthouse was lit as part of a fundraising event celebrating the guidepost’s 140-year anniversary. The private preservation group Save the Light collaborated with South Carolina Electric and Gas to create a beacon duplicating the pattern of light that at one time flashed regularly from the structure’s cupola.

Morris Island Lighthouse, Shining
Melissa Van Camp of Charleston, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

With modern technology, including LED lights, modems, a cellphone tower, and solar-powered batteries, engineers were able to shine the light for a spectacular show, illuminating the sands of Folly Beach to the delight of onlookers on both the beach and in boats. The light was directed toward the beach so as not to interfere with navigation.

Morris Island Sandbar
George Hagan of Aiken, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

If you would like to learn more about the lighthouse and its history, please visit Save the Light. You can also become a member, make a donation, and buy merchandise.

Morris Island at Dawn
Michael Little of Summerville, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Paintings of the Morris Island Lighthouse


Morris Lighthouse Painting

Rosie Phillips of Yonges Island, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Artist Rosie Phillips, who sent her depiction of the lighthouse above, says: “I have always been drawn to lighthouses, especially those with a history. Morris Island Lighthouse has definitely been challenged by man and the forces of nature! Today it is being ‘saved’ by a foundation that has done wonders to the structure in hopes that it will remain a part of the South Carolina coast and Charleston history. As an artist, I have painted several lighthouses I have come across in my travels, but I am lucky to have this treasure close to home and have painted it several times.”

Morris Island Lighthouse Watercolor

Campbell C. Freeman of Columbia, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

More Pictures of the Morris Island Lighthouse


Morris Island Beacon
Larry Gleason, Aiken Aerial Photography, 2015 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
Morris Island Jetties
Shane McGeehan of Charleston, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
Lighthouse on Morris Island
Stephanie Phipps of Greer, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Morris Island, Folly Beach

Mark Norton of Charlotte, NC © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Morris Island, Charleston Skyline

Robert Loe of Charleston © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Morris Island Light, Black and White

Lawrence Burgess of Charleston © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Morris Island Lighthouse SC

James P. Karner of Rock Hill, 2012 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Morris Island Lighthouse

Lou Vega of Fort Monmouth, NJ, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Morris Island Lighthouse

Chad Hartwell of Charleston, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Morris Island Folly Sunset

John Jensen of Charleston, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Reflections on the Morris Island Lighthouse


Mark VanDyke says of his photo below, “My initial instinct with the Morris Island Lighthouse was similar to others who visit with camera in hand, would imagine: bring out the longer glass to pull the subject in – lend as much power in the composition as is possible for a tall and slender structure and create the imposing feeling that a beacon at sea should have. But that’s not really the story at Folly Beach and the Morris Island Lighthouse as I saw it and experienced it. The Morris Island Lighthouse is small in comparison to its surroundings. The Atlantic Ocean and the Charleston Harbor surround and dominate the lighthouse’s immediate base. The beaches nearby are strewn with jetties, pilings, rocks and other man-made hard-erosion structures. The Morris Island Lighthouse is just plain small in comparison to its surroundings. The structure itself begs the story of, ‘How did this happen?’ And so, I went against my instincts as a photographer, pulled out the wide-angle lens, and got my feet wet working with what was around me! The result – a very small lighthouse in an otherwise very large and expansive environment…my own interpretation of this place.”

Morris Island Light Jetties
Mark VanDyke of Herndon, VA, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Photographer Melissa Van Camp says of her photo of the lighthouse shining on October 1, 2016 (shown near top of page): “I took this photo on the night of the celebration of 140 years. The lighthouse was lit for this one night, and was amazing to witness and imagine what it looked like all those years ago in its glory. Morris Island is a peaceful place I visit often to view the lighthouse, to watch the dolphins, and just visit with friends while enjoying my passion for photography.”

Visitor Laura Beane explains part of the lighthouse’s lure: “I have visited and photographed many lighthouses, but no other light has captivated me more than this one. She stands majestically at the entrance of the Charleston harbor. After visiting this lighthouse I can see and feel why this is such a beloved landmark to South Carolina and those who visit.”

Plan Your Trip:

Where is located?
SC
GPS Coordinates: 32.695352,-79.883504
What else should I see?
The Washout 2.9 miles
Folly Beach 5.9 miles
Fort Sumter 6.4 miles
Harbor Master's House 6.6 miles
Show me more like this!
  • See other South Carolina Beaches
  • Folly Beach Historic Sites
  • See other South Carolina Lighthouses
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sheila Morris says

      May 26, 2021 at 2:59 PM

      I am a Morris who descended from the Charleston, South Carolina land grant settlers. I would love to find relatives there. Thank you.

      Reply
    2. Steve Holcombe, PhD says

      October 26, 2018 at 9:13 AM

      Morris Island light is fabulous to view. I live in Greer, SC and when I go to the beach at Isle of Palms I can see the light. Have had a picture of it for years. Also good view from Fort Moultrie. Wish I could climb it but not. Have been in Cape Hatteras a few time, Ponce Islet, and Carrituck. Wish I could see Morris Island from Pretty Place at the Greenville YMCA camp on Caesars Head. I may live in Greer but have lighthouse and beach decorations. Remember that BEACH is the acronym for Best Escape Anyone Can Have.

      Reply
    3. Patricia Abrahamson says

      October 25, 2018 at 11:46 PM

      Love the PICS OF THE Morris Island lighthouse! Shared to raise awareness. Thanks!

      Reply
    4. Mavis Watson Gibson says

      May 12, 2015 at 4:06 PM

      I am re painting a ceramic lighthouse that shaped and looks just like the Morris Island Ligthouse. it is so far away I can not see details good. The one I have has the U shape door but no windows. I wanted to get as close to the real thing as I could. I am asking permission to paint mine as close to your copy?

      Reply
    5. Mavis Watson Gibson says

      May 12, 2015 at 11:13 AM

      Hope this is the one I need to copy painting of the orgional copy. The lighthouse is a porcelain copy of a
      a lighthouse. The Morris Island lighthouse is the closes to my copy. I am restoring the color as close as I can for a friend. Thanks

      Reply
    6. Richard Leander Beck says

      February 24, 2015 at 9:54 PM

      The Morris Island Lighthouse is owned by the Stat of South Carolina but cared for by Save The Light Inc. a non profit citizens group formed in 1999. Since out formation, we have raised and spent almost 5 million dollars in protecting the structure from erosion and placing a new foundation under it. We are actively raising money to rehab the lantern room as our next step in the tower's preservation. I hope that all of you will visit our web site at SAVETHELIGHT.ORG to become a member. We are holding out major fundraiser on the 26th of March at Folly Beach. Please contact us for tickets or to make a donation.

      Reply
    7. Norma Coleman says

      April 28, 2014 at 5:36 PM

      Did the lighthouse ever have a rock walkway leading to it from shore? I remember seeing a lighthouse as a child with a walkway surrounded by water leading to a lighthouse that could have been this one. My parents sort of remember the same, but don’t remember where. I have been searching for it for the last 30 years. It would have to have been on the Atlantic coast in the mid-1950s.

      Reply
    8. Steve Holcombe, PhD says

      February 24, 2013 at 11:02 PM

      Great pictures of Morris Island lighthouse. Looks good all the way from Tigerville, SC. Upper Greenville County’s Tigerville.

      Reply
    9. Dorene Harmon says

      June 15, 2012 at 3:45 PM

      Gorgeous photos. I miss my SC beaches, so this is a nice way to be reminded. I like James P. Karner’s A LOT. Cool job all.

      Reply

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