The Hunting Island Light is located in Hunting Island State Park on Hunting Island near Beaufort, South Carolina. Although no longer used as a functioning lighthouse, the tower is a fixture at the state park and is open to visitors. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. The Lighthouse continued operation until deactivation in 1933. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 as reference #70000561. In 2009, celebrations were held in honor of the lighthouse's 150th anniversary.

Maintenance

As part of Hunting Island State Park, the tower remains open to the public. Continued remodeling of the tower is made possible by South Carolina funding and a small charge per visitor to the tower.

In 2003 the lighthouse was closed for an 18-month period after rust had compromised the structural integrity of several of its cast-iron stairs. Repairs lasted for over 18 months, and included fixing cracked stairs, as well as the installation of steel brace reinforcements. The silvery-grayish braces stand in stark contrast to the black cast-iron stairs, which in turn allows visitors to distinguish between the original structural components and the more-recent modifications aimed at protecting the lighthouse's historic integrity.

thumb|The lighthouse seen before its current color scheme, 1972.

In 2019, engineering studies concluded that $3 million in repairs were needed to the lighthouse, particularly to repair cracks and corrosion due to weather. Part of the repairs may include the disassembly and potential relocation of the lighthouse further inland, similar to actions taken in 1889. As of January 2023 the lighthouse has been closed for repair and is scheduled to reopen on May 26th, 2026.

Notes

  • Friends of Hunting Island State Park - Lighthouse page
  • Lighthouse friends article
  • The Internet Public Library
  • Information and illustrations about Hunting Island Lighthouse by artist/author Roger Bansemer