Fort Ripley Shoal Light, Navigation lighthouse in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.
Fort Ripley Shoal Light is a hexagonal lighthouse that rises 44 feet (13 meters) above water, supported by wrought iron piles with vertical ties and inclined braces. The structure sits in Charleston Harbor and serves maritime navigation through the Middle Ground waters.
The lighthouse was built in 1876 to replace Castle Pinckney Light and remained operational until 1932. Its construction marked an important change in navigation methods for the harbor waters.
The lighthouse reflects Charleston's maritime traditions shaped by shipping practices that continue to influence the harbor today. Its structure recalls times when such structures were essential for communication between vessels and shore.
The lighthouse is visible from the water and can be observed from boat tours exploring Charleston Harbor. The best view of the structure is from the harbor side.
The lighthouse sits on a ten-acre submarine site whose administration was established through a special 1877 agreement between the federal government and South Carolina. This arrangement was unusual and reflects the complexity of managing offshore locations.
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