|
Want to visit yet another lighthouse in South Carolina, but feel like you just can’t climb even one more staircase? Well, then make sure that you add the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse near Mt. Pleasant to your list of places to see toward the end of your touring day. Sure you’ll be tired of walking, but there won’t be any need to climb stairs here. This lighthouse has its own elevator that will take you right to the top of the 165-feet tall tower that marks the entrance to the Charleston Harbor! It’s powerful light can be seen from as far away as 26 miles out to sea.
The Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse was built in 1962, so it’s still a baby in lighthouse history. Still, it is the only functioning lighthouse left standing in the Charleston area. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains it, but according to David Quick, a reporter for the Charleston Post & Courier, the National Park Service wants to take over ownership since the U.S. Coast Guard is contemplating listing it on its surplus property listing to relieve themselves of the maintenance costs. The National park Service is afraid that the lighthouse will fall into the wrong hands and the value of the historic landmark and surrounding areas will be reduced.
To get there, once in Mt. Pleasant, take SC703 South. Cross Sawyer Memorial Bridge to Sullivan’s Island. Take a right at the stop sign onto Middle Street and follow it to Station 18 ½. (road.)
|
| |
