Are you a lighthouse fan? South Carolina is home to eight fascinating lighthouse structures. Some are still in operation, but most are not. Yet, they’re all filled with mystery and intrigue. If you’re embarking on a whirlwind lighthouse road trip along the South Carolina coast, you’ll find that the state’s two northernmost lights are accessible only by way of a water vessel. And even if you do have a boat, gaining access to the inside of the lights is impossible – except for four times a year, when special tours are conducted by a local company.
The two lights located within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge were built in 1827 and 1857 and are all that remains (except some ruins) of the lighthouse complex that once graced the entrance of the Romain River from their perch on the cluster of small islands approximately seven miles outside of McClellanville.
Miraculously, even though Hurricane Hugo devastated McClellanville in 1989, the two lights survived the wrath of the storm. They're now haunting reminders of days gone by here and in the fishing village of McClellanville.
The oldest in the pair is a red brick structure standing 87 feet tall. In 1827, it and a light keeper's quarters were built for $10,000.
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Due to its functional limitations and the fact the the light couldn't be seen very far away, it was replaced thirty years later by a leaner, taller light that was lit by an oil lamp whose beam actually revolved and could be seen for 19 nautical miles.
The red lighthouse has a fascinating wooden staircase still partially intact and peering inside may conjure up the sounds of the light keeper clamoring up the stairs each evening to fire up the oil lamp at the top.
The tallest of the two lights was built in 1857, but much to everyone's dismay and in spite of its long-range beam, it started to lean right away. It's still leaning today and some estimates have the plumb at three feet off square.
The lights aren't the only historical things you'll get to see on this rare tour. You'll also find signs of life from years gone by here. Evidence of the light keeper's house and other structures still survives.
Oddly enough, during the great earthquake of 1886 that destroyed or damaged many of the dwellings in the Lowcountry, neither lighthouse sustained any reported damages.
If you want to take a tour of the light, you'll need to be quick on reserving tickets because the rare tour books up quickly! But don't worry, if you miss the one remaining tour this year, there are four more tours next year.
Cape Romain Lighthouse tours are conducted by Coastal Expeditions with permission by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Tours cost $45 per person and should be booked in advance. Tours dates for 2020 are: March 15, April 12, July 12, and October 11. For what to bring and info on what to wear, or to book your tour, visit this link on the official website for Coastal Expeditions.Tours depart from the Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center and last the better part of the day.
