Fort Sumter Range Lights, Range lights system in Charleston Harbor, United States.
The Fort Sumter Range Lights consist of two separate beacons working together to guide vessels through the main channel of Charleston Harbor.
The original front light was constructed at Fort Sumter in 1857, while the rear light utilized the steeple of St. Philip's Church in Charleston until 1915.
The range lights system represents maritime engineering advancement in South Carolina, incorporating both military fortifications and religious structures for navigation purposes.
Ships entering Charleston Harbor align the two lights vertically to ensure safe passage through the main channel, maintaining correct positioning during navigation.
The rear range light operated from St. Philip's Church steeple reached 140 feet in height and used an electric apparatus for its gas burner in 1901.
Location: Charleston County
Inception: 1855
GPS coordinates: 32.75222,-79.87472
Latest update: March 6, 2025 13:08
Fort Sumter
40 m
Fort Moultrie
1.8 km
Castle Pinckney
4.2 km
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
1.5 km
Ben Sawyer Bridge
3.8 km
Charleston Light
3 km
Fort Johnson
2.2 km
Mount Pleasant Historic District
3.8 km
Battery Thomson
3.2 km
Marshlands Plantation House
2.5 km
Battery Gadsden
3.4 km
U.S. Coast Guard Historic District
3.1 km
Old Berkeley County Courthouse
3.8 km
Battery Jasper
2 km
Moultrieville Historic District
1.7 km
Sullivan's Island Range Lights
2.2 km
Dr. John B. Patrick House
3.1 km
Sullivan's Island Historic District
2.8 km
Osceola's tomb
1.8 km
Battery Huger
20 m
Fort Moultrie Visitor Center
1.8 km
Flagpole Monument
23 m
Garrison Monument
22 m
Fort Moultrie Quartermaster and Support Facilities Historic District
2.2 km
Stella Maris Catholic Church
1.8 km
1809 Powder Magazine
1.8 km
Patapsco Monument
1.8 km
Sullivan's Island Beach
3.1 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes