[ Read more ... ]
This picture was taken by Barry Gooch, who is Field Coordinator for the Cooperative Research Program run by DNR.
He writes: "Construction of the original Hunting Island Lighthouse began in 1859 as a brick tower. It was never completed and the original structure was destroyed during the War Between the States. The current lighthouse was completed in 1875. It took two years to build and is constructed of cast iron and brick. The 136 ft tall tower contains 167 steps and its Fresnel lens was visible for 17 miles.
"The lighthouse was originally located on the north end of Hunting Island, but in 1888, erosion had moved the shoreline within 35 feet of the light. The lighthouse and its keepers were moved to its current place, one mile inland from the original location.
"The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1933 and is currently open to the public. The small admission fee is used to help maintain the historic light."
Hunting Island State Park is located in Beaufort County, about 18 miles from the city of Beaufort on US 21. For more info, be sure to visit SCIway's guide to Hunting Island State Park.
NEW SC WEBSITES