Did You Know: 10 Great Facts About The Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse

By Mark A. Leon

Here are 10 key things to know about the Sullivan’s Island lighthouse, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Lowcountry:

1. It is a triangular, 163-foot tall lighthouse built in 1962, making it one of the newest lighthouses in the United States.

2. It features an elevator and air conditioning, unlike older lighthouses with hundreds of stairs. 

3. Its unique triangular design allows it to withstand hurricane winds up to 125 mph.

4. The lighthouse originally had a 28 million candlepower light, one of the brightest in the Western Hemisphere at the time, but it was reduced due to complaints.

5. It was designed by architect Jack Graham when he was just 23 years old and working for the U.S. Coast Guard.

6. Graham’s design was inspired by lessons from renowned architect Louis Kahn.

7. The lighthouse was initially painted red and white, but the red quickly turned pinkish, prompting it to be repainted black and white.

8. In 2008, ownership transferred from the U.S. Coast Guard to the National Park Service, though the Coast Guard still maintains the light.

9. The lighthouse grounds and nearby historic lifesaving station are opened to the public annually for National Lighthouse Day.

10. It replaced the Morris Island Lighthouse, which was in danger of being destroyed by erosion.

Want to Learn More? Check out some of these additional articles

• Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse – SullivansIsland.com 
• 10 Things You May Not Know About Sullivan’s Island | Charleston.com 
• The Charleston Light: A Story Of Past And Present – SiP Magazine 
• Charleston (Sullivan’s Island) Lighthouse, South Carolina – The Lighthouse Friends 
• How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 

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