Built in 1855 in Charleston, South Carolina, this historic rear range light once guided vessels safely through Charleston Harbor by working in alignment with a front range light. The lighthouse played a strategic role during the Civil War, standing near the famous Fort Sumter where the first shots of the conflict were fired.

Now deactivated, the tower is not open to the public and cannot be climbed, though it remains a compelling sight from the waterfront. Early morning and golden hour offer the best light for photography, with the harbor as a dramatic backdrop.

Nearby attractions include Fort Sumter National Monument, Patriots Point, the Charleston Battery, and the city’s renowned Historic District.

Explore Nearby

• Fort Johnson Road — Scenic Byway in South Carolina
• May Forest State Park — State Park in South Carolina
• Mathis Ferry Road — Scenic Byway in South Carolina
• Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site — State Park in South Carolina
• Sumter National Forest — National Forest in South Carolina