Lighthouses of Australia Inc

Morris Island Image: Priscilla Thomas

Morris Island - Saved!

In 1767 a small lighthouse just 42 foot tall was built on Morris Island in South Carolina. In 1838 a second tower 31m tall was built, and in 1862 was destroyed in the Civil War so it could not be used as a lookout tower by opposing troops. Following the end of the war the 3rd Morris Island lighthouse was built, 360m from the shore. 

By 1938 erosion saw the tower on the waters edge and as the water encroached the lightstation, the beautiful 2-storey keepers cottages were demolished and the first-order lens removed and replaced by a modern optic, which suited automation.

In 1962 the Morris Island lighthouse was decommissioned and replaced by the Sullivans Island lighthouse a few kilometres away. The old lighthouse was sold to a private citizen as surplus property. Still the water ate away at the coast, and little by little the shoreline passed the tower until today it sits about 360m offshore, itself a small island.

Morris Island 1914 Image: USCG

It is a credit to the engineers that the 48m tower weighing over 3200 tons still stands at all. The foundations include 264 piles at 80cm centres, and covered by 6m of concrete.

The Coast Guard wanted to demolish the tower in 1965 but that was stopped by community reaction. In 1999 the tower was purchased by Save the light Inc for US$75,000 and efforts began to raise funds for the necessary work to save the lighthouse. Substantial work is necessary and the 300 member group have so far raised over $700,000.

Work is progressing steadily as can be seen in these great images and it is so comforting to know that the Morris Island lighthouse will remain for future generations. The local news have a short video or you can also follow the work on a webcam.

It is a shame that we can't yet get similar results here in Australia with the obvious comparison of Troubridge Island lighthouse, mentioned elsewhere in this Bulletin. It's taken almost 10 years to save Morris Island, we haven't yet put enough effort in. 

Work commences on the coffer dam Image: Priscilla Thomas

Morris Island Image: Frankphotos - creative commons

 Sources:

• Save the Light.org
• Morris Island Coalition
• Lighthouse Friends