Few People Know The Real Reason Behind The Iconic Design Of The Harbour Town Lighthouse In South Carolina
By AnneMarie|Published January 30, 2024
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AnneMarie
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South Carolina has been home for AnneMarie since 2001. Her favorite part of the state is Lake Jocassee. An App State alumna, it's always the mountains; the lake bonus makes it heavenly. When not writing about the state, she may be spending time with family, relaxing by the pool, or out somewhere enjoying nature.
As much of a well-loved icon the famous Harbour Town Lighthouse in Hilton Head Island is today, serving as a very symbol of the Island, this was not always the case. Its story can even be a much-needed reminder to those who have great ideas that are being dismissed or mocked by others of what can be if you push through the naysaying. It’s hard to believe that we would not have this beautiful landmark in South Carolina if the detractors had been successful.
They even assigned the project a nickname, "Fraser's folly". Who's laughing now? This incredible lighthouse in Harbour Town has been visited by millions of people through the years!
Charles Fraser, a visionary and founder of Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, believed strongly that the community needed something more, a sort of marker or symbol that might give it a sense of place in people's hearts and minds. When he suggested a lighthouse, some of his close associates couldn't see what he saw, while others took his vision to heart. And we all know which group prevailed.
The reason the iconic red and white candy stripe design was chosen is because Mr. Fraser wanted it to be fun and memorable. His vision for the Sea Pines community was that it would become a type of gathering spot that would be a joyful, celebratory destination. When he began putting chairs out around the town because he wanted people to have a place to just sit, again, there was laughter.
And yet again ... no one is laughing today and his vision has become a reality, with people enjoying this laid back community where they do feel that sense of place in Harbour Town.
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There are 114 steps inside the lighthouse, which you can climb to the top for gorgeous views of the Calibogue Sound from 90 feet in the air.
Weddings and special events are held at the Harbour Town Lighthouse, including fireworks on the 4th of July. Charles Fraser must have been so happy to see his vision come to life and all those naysayers proven wrong.
