Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse

Having traveled to the traditional lighthouses of the Outer Banks, the Sullivan Island Lighthouse was certainly different.
The location is a little confusing as there is no signage to get to the lighthouse, and it is hard to see over the trees of Sullivan Island.
The base is a more prism shape than the traditional lighthouses of the Outer Banks, and the top is a little more boxier as it is meant to withstand strong winds. Since it is still in working condition, you can’t get on the grounds but behind a fence.
Overall it’s ok, if you’re in the area, check it out, if not don’t worry about it.

I grew up on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I’ve visited photographed and climbed Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and Currituck Lighthouse more times then I can count. I’ve seen the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and Ocracoke Lighthouse up close, and I’ve visited and climbed Tybee Island Lighthouse in Georgia as well. Suffice it to say I’m something of a lighthouse nut. So when I visited Charleston I wasn’t going to pass up a chance to visit both of the area lighthouses.
Sullivan’s Light has some pretty interesting history for a lighthouse that’s so young. It was built in 1962 to replace Morris Island Lighthouse when it was deactivated. It was the last lighthouse built by the US Coast Guard, the only lighthouse in the USA that has an elevator installed, and the only air conditioned lighthouse in the US. The design is also unique being a triangular shape clad in aluminum instead of being square or round and built out of brick or iron like most US lighthouses.
There is no museum, no gift shop, no keeper’s quarters and no access to the tower itself, although there are rumors to the effect that they may open it to the public in the future. Of course there is no admission cost either, and there is a nice beach access within walking distance of the grounds and the street side parking. There is also an old US CG lifesaving station near the lighthouse but most people won’t even recognize it for what it is (I didn’t really until after the fact and I grew up around a half dozen of the things).
Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse is a nice little free diversion and photo op if you happen to be on Sullivan’s Island. It is not a destination in and of itself worth going far out of your way for, but it is worth a 5 or 10 minute stop on your way to the beach or Fort Moultrie. I never miss a lighthouse if I’m near one but non lighthouse fans may be excused if they want to skip this one.

I love lighthouses so my review is biased.
This lighthouse is not round but flat on one side.
Nonetheless it stands proud and tall facing the waters. Street parking only.

While the light at Morris Island is one of the coolest ever (albeit crumbling into the sea), the somewhat austere light on Sullivan’s Island is much more modern, being first activated in 1962. In fact, unlike many lighthouses along the Carolinas seashore, this one still runs today.
An interesting tidbit about this particular lighthouse is that when it was first turned on, the light was so bright that the keepers allegedly had to wear asbestos welding suits. Since then, the power of the light has been turned down a considerable amount, but the light still burns.
The oddly-​shaped triangular beacon allows the lighthouse to withstand winds of up to 125 miles per hour. Of course, the other lighthouses along the coast have been there for longer, and have (generally speaking) managed to handle hurricanes that are equally strong, so who is to say if it is stronger than the old-​school round style?