A group of us from Florida and Georgia were getting together to see Cape Romain and Georgetown Lighthouses. Since we all were driving and all had to go through Charlestown, S.C. I thought won't it be neat to see if we could go inside Sullivan's Island Lighthouse. I had remembered something about the Coast Guard Aux. giving tours. Well it took a little time to find the reference, but I did. A few emails and a day or so I had an OK. After checking with the group it seemed by late afternoon we would all be there. So I checked the sunset time and ask for a tour about one hour before. Anyway here are the pictures:



The only US lighthouse with a people elevator and the only one to have 3 sides.




The backside faces the airport. Also notice the balcony is only on 2 of the 3 sides.



Notice near the bottom left, air condition units.




Lighthouse hunters above!




The original color where the black is now was this red color (The locals did not like it). The Coast Guard turned the panels around and painted the outside black.




We climbed stairs till till we got to the floor the elevator stops (by the way the elevator did not work at this time, it only holds about 3 people). At this point you climb this ladder which is about 8 feet, the next and last one is about double that.





From left to right, Dan our volunteer tour guide (who did an excellent job), Susan and Geneva. Somewhere nearby is the other WACKO Eric.

Two lens that are so bright that Dan did not turn them on till we started down the stairs.




Outside, the backup light.




The sun starts to set on Charleston Harbor.




Another shot of the sunset (what a great way to end a visit to a lighthouse).





It was a bit dark going down the stairs and when we got out the moon was overhead.




The bottom of the lighthouse, again notice to the left on the second floor A/C units.


Also note the tower is made of steel and aluminum and was made to sway in a Hurricane it was also built to last 50 years. So it should be good until 2012. Oh my gosh, only 4 years from now. The National Parks talked about taking it over but have not heard anything more.

Almost forgot, a camera was put on the balcony and aimed at the place in the water that they found the Hunley until it could be raised. To make sure the site was not violated. The Hunley is now a short drive down the interstate.

Eric,

Have I lost it completely, or did you add to your May 28, 2004 thread today, but gave no indication that you'd been to Sullivan's Island Lighthouse recently? They're great pictures, but I can't connect the dots.

Sandy

Sandy I posted all the pictures today. The trip was in 2004. I meant to post them closer to the time I took the trip, but got busy and then forgot until I was talking to a girl making my reservations for a hotel that happen to mention that the call center was in Charleston. We talk a few minutes waiting for the computer and I told her I would sent her copies, but it might take a while (I think it was a month ago). So you are not crazy.

Thank you for enlightening me--looooong time between 2004 and 2008. . . .

Sandy :rolleyes:

P.S. There are others who might disagree with your last statement.

Great report and photos of this unique lighthouse, Eric!
thanks,
Bob

Great pics, Eric !!!

Didn't know Sullivan's Island Lighthouse was three sided.