Morris Island Lighthouse on Folly Island, SC

Morris Island is not much of an island anymore; much of it has eroded away until only the lighthouse remains, completely surrounded by the water. It used to stand on a significant piece of land with outbuildings surrounding it. Morris Lighthouse now stands as a lonely reminder of a past era. The residents of Folly Island love their lighthouse and are proud of it. Restoration efforts are being enacted by grassroots campaigns to preserve and restore it.

The lighthouse stands 150 feet tall with a 33 foot diameter base, which is necessary to support its 4,000 tons. It is painted with traditional black and white bands and was built using the same plans as the Bodie Island Lighthouse of North Carolina.

Morris Island Lighthouse has a long and interesting history that pre-dates the Revolutionary War. In the 1700's there were three islands between Folly Island and Sullivan's Island: Middle Bay Island, Morrison Island, and Cummings Point.

The first lighthouse to occupy this small stretch of land and water between Folly Island and Charleston was first established in 1673. It was a crude construction in which the "light" consisted only of a "fier" ball of oakum and pitch. This ball was elevated in an open, iron basket. The tower rose to a height of forty-three feet and served the land well. It was darkened for a short period during the Revolutionary War. It served as the lighthouse until 1767. On May 30^th of that year the cornerstone for a new lighthouse was laid. King George III ordered the construction of this 2nd lighthouse.

The second lighthouse built on Middle Bay Island stood 102 feet tall, more than double the height of its predecessor and approximately 400 yards from where the original stood. It was designed by Samuel Cardy and built by Adam Miller and Thomas Young. The lantern room had a lamp that revolved with a range of approximately 12 miles. In 1858 a Fresnel lens replaced the revolving lamp. A Hurricane struck the area in 1854 and lightning destroyed the keeper's quarters as well as damaging the lighthouse.