CHARLESTON, South Carolina, United States — Located on the southeastern corner of Sullivan's Island, not far from the entrance to Charleston Harbor, the Charleston Light was completed in 1962 and was the last major lighthouse built in the United States. It's now an historic site in the United States Coast Guard Historic District as part of the Fort Sumter National Monument.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Sullivan's Island Lighthouse, also known as the Charleston Light, is a distinctive landmark on Sullivan's Island near Charleston, South Carolina. Constructed in 1962, it stands as one of the last major lighthouses built in the United States. The structure's unique triangular shape and stark black-and-white daymark pattern make it easily recognizable from both land and sea. Rising to a height of 140 feet (43 meters), the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse was designed to withstand hurricanes and earthquakes, featuring an innovative structural design that includes a steel skeleton and aluminum alloy skin. Unlike traditional lighthouses, it utilizes an elevator system instead of a spiral staircase, reflecting its more modern construction. The lighthouse serves as an active aid to navigation, guiding ships into Charleston Harbor with its powerful beacon visible up to 27 nautical miles (50 km) out to sea. It is operated by the Coast Guard and is part of the Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, managed by the National Park Service. Sullivan's Island, where the lighthouse stands, has a rich history dating back to the American Revolution and Civil War. The island was home to Fort Moultrie, a key coastal defense installation, and played a significant role in both conflicts. Today, the lighthouse and surrounding area offer visitors a blend of historical significance and natural coastal beauty, attracting history enthusiasts, lighthouse aficionados, and beachgoers alike.
Size: 6867px × 4583px
Location: Coast Guard Historic District, Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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