Cape Romain Lighthouses, group of two lighthouses
Cape Romain Lighthouses are two brick towers on Lighthouse Island within a wildlife refuge near Charleston County. The first tower was built in 1827 and served as a warning beacon, while a second, taller conical lighthouse was added in 1857 to help guide ships safely around dangerous shoals.
The first lighthouse was built in 1827 by Winslow Lewis and displayed a red light to warn ships of shallow waters. A second tower was added in 1857, and both structures guided navigation until they went dark during the Civil War and were relit in 1866.
The lighthouses serve as symbols of maritime heritage and represent the seafaring history of South Carolina's coast. These structures remind visitors of the era when guiding ships through dangerous waters was essential to the community's survival and connection to the sea.
The lighthouses sit on an island only accessible by boat, with guided tours organized by the wildlife refuge. Visitors should check ahead about boat departures and dress for coastal weather, as the ride to the island can be exposed to wind and sea conditions.
One lighthouse keeper entertained visitors by standing on his head at the top of the tower, a story still remembered locally. The 1886 Charleston earthquake shook the second tower intensely but left it standing, proving the strength of its brick construction.
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