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 Expected to ship
in August 2001

Charleston, South Carolina

Harbour Lights Limited Edition #267

A weary Lightkeeper stands at the base of the staircase, preparing to climb the spiral steps to the lantern room once again. With each trip, the steps appear to multiply, especially when the Lightkeeper is carrying heavy supplies with him. Just for good measure, he counts as he ascends: 48, 49, 50. He stops mid-way and thinks to himself, If only I worked at the Sullivan Island Lighthouse!

As the only sentinel in the United States with an elevator, Sullivan Island is indeed a modern marvel, while being the last traditional style lighthouse to be built in the United States.

Standing 165-foot tall, Sullivan’s Island lighthouse was built in 1962 to replace the beacon on Morris Island. The Morris Island light guarded over Charleston for almost 200 years, until time and tide overcame the tower and grounds. The torch was passed to the triangular tower at Sullivan’s Island lighthouse.

The first paint scheme at Sullivan’s Island didn’t last long. Residents balked at the orange and white tower and begged officials to change the bright paint to a more traditional design. It wasn’t long before the steel sentinel sported a black and white motif, erasing the trendy colors.

With all the optical alternatives to choose from, officials wanted only the brightest. The original light was once 28-million candlepower and was spotted by an Air Force pilot 78 miles away! Eventually, the light was reduced to about 1.2 million, with a practical range of range of 29 miles. The beacon flashes every 30 seconds, giving mariners ample notice of landfall.

Fully automated in 1982, Sullivan’s Island faithfully guides vessels into Charleston to this day and serves as a distinctive daymark. The Coast Guard recently listed the beacon as surplus property and is planning to turn it over to another government entity or to private owners. The National Park Service is seeking ownership, although the Coast Guard will continue to maintain the light.

Photography by Paul L. Brady © Harbour Lights 
January 13, 2003