Morris Island Light

Morris Island Light is a lighthouse marking the entrance to Charleston Harbor with distinctive black and white horizontal stripes running around its exterior. The structure was built using wooden piles to maintain stability in the soft sediment of the harbor bed.

The current structure was built in 1873, replacing earlier lighthouses that once marked the harbor entrance. It survived the 1886 earthquake that shook the coastal region.

The Save the Light organization coordinates preservation initiatives through annual events, including an oyster roast and marathon at Folly Beach.

The lighthouse sits about 1,600 feet (488 meters) from shore, which makes visiting challenging. Visitors can learn about access options and the best times to explore the area through local preservation organizations.

The structure visibly tilts toward the northeast, a lasting effect of the 1886 earthquake combined with decades of coastal erosion. This tilt makes the lighthouse a striking reminder of how natural forces shape human-built structures.

Location: Charleston

GPS coordinates: 32.69536,-79.88362

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:24