WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Hunting Island celebrates lighthouse's anniversary
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HUNTING ISLAND, SC (WTOC) - If you've ever been to Hunting Island State Park, you know what a treasure it is.
The beach is a big draw, but this weekend, they're celebrating an island landmark, the historic lighthouse.
If you haven't checked out this lighthouse, this weekend is a great time to stop by for the 150th Anniversary Celebration. The lighthouse has quite a history, surviving hurricanes, earth quakes, and erosion.
The historic lighthouse here on Hunting Island State Park has been the pillar of island for 150 years, standing 132 feet tall, with deep roots in the island's history. But the lighthouse you see today is actually the second lighthouse - in it's third location.
"The original Hunting Island Lighthouse was established in 1859, 150 years ago," said Jeff Atkins. "However, it was only a 90 foot brick tower. It was destroyed in 1862 by the Confederate Army during the Civil War to prevent the Union Forces from utilizing it."
Then in 1875, the lighthouse was rebuilt.
"It was actually built and designed around erosion," said Atkins. "It was designed to be taken down and put up at another location. They were smart in thinking because it had to be moved."
Despite all of the recent erosion on the island, it's stayed right here in it's current location and has become quite an attraction.
This historic lighthouse is the only one in South Carolina, where the public can still climb to the top and about 50,000 people do it each year.
And as many take a step back in history, they can explore the grounds and learn more about the light keepers and their way of life.
"Everyday they had to go up there, keep that lens polished, carry those buckets of oil up to the top and keep that light lit," said Atkins.
While it's a century and a half old, it hardly looks that way thanks to a fresh coat of paint for the big Anniversary Celebration, which is taking place this weekend.
"We just hope the community comes out in numbers to support this because it is so unique to have this landmark here and a treasure at our backdoor," said Bonnie Wright.
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